Final day, we're pumped and ready for the grand finale. We have a great breakfast at Mary's Home Plate Cafe in Calistoga and we're off to Chateau Montelena.
1. Chateau Montelena - In 1976 at the Paris Wine Tastings, Chateau Montelena Chardonnay took the blue ribbon much to the chagrin of the French. I've been reading George Tabor's book about the event and recommend it highly to anyone who wants to learn about what happened to get California wines on the world scene. As far as the wines go, they are good, but pricey. The 2006 Estate Cab will run you $135 and Chard is $50. Great estate here worth a visit if for no reason just to see the setting of "Bottle Shock" the movie.
2. Madrigal - Great private tasting here set up by appointment. We got the entire selection even though we only requested the regular wine tasting, not the reserve. Madrigal received a few 90+ scores on their Cabs and Petit Sirah for good reason. We bought the 2005 Reserve Cab ($80) which will show beautifully in 2-3 years. Hey, they ship to Kentucky! Not a bad place to think about for a club membership.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Day V - Dry Creek and Alexander Valley
I love this area. No one grape varietal dominates in this AVA. One can enjoy some of the finest Zinfandels here along with Cabs, Merlots, Pinots, and Sauvignon Blancs. The area is probably the most scenic in all of the California regions with the eastern mountains budding up to the vineyards.
1. Simi - After adding Simi's Landslide to my must-have list of Cabs, it is always worth a revisit here just to taste the current vintage. This year, Simi offered four different Chards which ranged from no oak to total oak splinters. The nicely balanced Russian River Chard was our pick here.
2. Stonestreet - Probably my overall favorite Cab maker in Alexander Valley. Super nice house and grounds with extraordinary reserve red wine flight offering. We tried the 2005 Red Wine Legacy, Black Cougar Ridge, and Christopher's Cab along with the library wine, the 2001 Black Cougar Ridge Cab. All of these are very good, but the 2001 Black Cougar is one of those wines to put on the dream list. I say this because of its $125 price tag...
3. Ridge - No trip to this area is complete without your visit to Ridge at Lytton Springs. The unofficial Zen of Zin, there are many good ones here, all dry farmed and spicy. My usual favorite is still, the Lytton Springs 2007. Ah but we also tried the 2006 Monte Bello. This is one of the big Cab names from California and I've always wanted to try it. Well, it's $145 a bottle. That's all I'm going to say about that.
4. Papapietro Perry - A reco from our friends Phil and Tracy, and a fine one. Large Pinot here! In fact, we bought two of them - the Russian River 2007 and the Leras Family 2007. As an added bonus, we met partner Bruce Perry who graciously signed both bottles! Add this to your must visit list.
5. Kokomo - Very conveniently located in the same lot as Papapietro Perry, Kokomo has a nice assortment of varietals including Sauvignon Blanc (which I liked), Char, Grenache Rose, Pinot Noir, Zin, Cab, and Syrah. The prices here are significantly lower than most of the other vineyards in the area, however. We especially liked the Timbercrest Zin which is nicely priced at $32. Robust and port like on the nose, this is a big fruity dusty Zin which is just my style.
6. Sbragia - I'll tell you up front, we bought two Merlots here. We drank part of one of them with lunch, which we also bought from here. The Home Ranch Merlot at $25 is a great deal. I'm hoping to find this one here at home since it does export out. Also bought was the Andolsen Cab 2007 which is tight now but promises to blossom in the next 3-5 years. This scored a 90 in 2006, so I'm hoping that 2007 is a better year. I'm betting it will be.
Tomorrow is Calistoga and St. Helena. Chateau Montelena and some others highlight the day.
1. Simi - After adding Simi's Landslide to my must-have list of Cabs, it is always worth a revisit here just to taste the current vintage. This year, Simi offered four different Chards which ranged from no oak to total oak splinters. The nicely balanced Russian River Chard was our pick here.
2. Stonestreet - Probably my overall favorite Cab maker in Alexander Valley. Super nice house and grounds with extraordinary reserve red wine flight offering. We tried the 2005 Red Wine Legacy, Black Cougar Ridge, and Christopher's Cab along with the library wine, the 2001 Black Cougar Ridge Cab. All of these are very good, but the 2001 Black Cougar is one of those wines to put on the dream list. I say this because of its $125 price tag...
3. Ridge - No trip to this area is complete without your visit to Ridge at Lytton Springs. The unofficial Zen of Zin, there are many good ones here, all dry farmed and spicy. My usual favorite is still, the Lytton Springs 2007. Ah but we also tried the 2006 Monte Bello. This is one of the big Cab names from California and I've always wanted to try it. Well, it's $145 a bottle. That's all I'm going to say about that.
4. Papapietro Perry - A reco from our friends Phil and Tracy, and a fine one. Large Pinot here! In fact, we bought two of them - the Russian River 2007 and the Leras Family 2007. As an added bonus, we met partner Bruce Perry who graciously signed both bottles! Add this to your must visit list.
5. Kokomo - Very conveniently located in the same lot as Papapietro Perry, Kokomo has a nice assortment of varietals including Sauvignon Blanc (which I liked), Char, Grenache Rose, Pinot Noir, Zin, Cab, and Syrah. The prices here are significantly lower than most of the other vineyards in the area, however. We especially liked the Timbercrest Zin which is nicely priced at $32. Robust and port like on the nose, this is a big fruity dusty Zin which is just my style.
6. Sbragia - I'll tell you up front, we bought two Merlots here. We drank part of one of them with lunch, which we also bought from here. The Home Ranch Merlot at $25 is a great deal. I'm hoping to find this one here at home since it does export out. Also bought was the Andolsen Cab 2007 which is tight now but promises to blossom in the next 3-5 years. This scored a 90 in 2006, so I'm hoping that 2007 is a better year. I'm betting it will be.
Tomorrow is Calistoga and St. Helena. Chateau Montelena and some others highlight the day.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Day IV - Russian River Valley
On this trip, one host referred to us as "Pinotphobes." Yes, that about sums me up - one who searches for the best Pinot Noir the world has to offer. So, this part of the journey would hold great promise as we visited several of the world's great Pinot makers.
1. Merry Edwards - We enjoyed a sit-down private tasting with the most renowned woman in the winemaking biz, Merry Edwards. Ok, she wasn't there, but our host was quite nice. Five glasses sat before us, four of which contained the current Pinot Noir offerings while the last held Edward's now famous Sauvignon Blanc. These Pinots are the kind you cellar for a few years as they come off the bottle young but very structured. This is the kind of wine you build a cellar around, so we purchases the Meredith Estate 2007. Also, we bought the Sauv Blanc, as this is one of my new favorites. It truly is worth all of the hype - 96 points Wine Spectator, etc. This is a big stand-alone white which defies much of what you know about Sauvignon Blanc. There is a good reason this white tasted last after four reds.
2. Dutton Goldfield - One of the Dutton Brothers operate this one while the other is a mile or two up the road. I've had one of these Pinots before and found it yummy. So, I wasn't disappointed here. Nice little house with no one around but us... we got a few bonus pours. I was surprised to see Gewurztraminer and Zinfandel on the list but they're both worth a try. Most surprising was the Rued Vineyard Chardonnay which was rich and full bodied. This is what we bought.
3. Dutton Estate - Brother number two seems to build his around Chardonnay and Pinot Noir although he has a fine Syrah as well - "My Father's Syrah." I focused on the Pinot Noir, of course, of which all three received curtain calls in 2007. The Karmen Isabella and the Thomas Road Pinot Noir is why one comes to the Russian River. We have one of each from 2008 and will be back for more I assure you.
4. Gary Ferrell - Everything here is good. Everything. We joined the wine club, enough said? Since we joined the club, we received a sweet discount on the Hallberg Vineyard 2007 Pinot. Reviewed by most 92 points and up. I am in total agreement. Do visit here, it is a wonderful house with outstanding views and even better wines.
5. Thomas George - Hey, it's a cave! Climate controlled, sprinkler systemed, and electrified.. it's a cave. The Pinots are good here.
6. Longboard - The Big Kahuna of the wine world shows off bold offerings of otherwise predictable grapes. I've been a fan of the Russian River Pinot Noir for some time, but Oded Shakked has a way with Syrah. Although not listed on his website, we now own a signed bottled of the Maverick Syrah! And Oded is right, KY Rocks! Well sometimes anyway...
Tomorrow is Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. Time for big Zinz!
1. Merry Edwards - We enjoyed a sit-down private tasting with the most renowned woman in the winemaking biz, Merry Edwards. Ok, she wasn't there, but our host was quite nice. Five glasses sat before us, four of which contained the current Pinot Noir offerings while the last held Edward's now famous Sauvignon Blanc. These Pinots are the kind you cellar for a few years as they come off the bottle young but very structured. This is the kind of wine you build a cellar around, so we purchases the Meredith Estate 2007. Also, we bought the Sauv Blanc, as this is one of my new favorites. It truly is worth all of the hype - 96 points Wine Spectator, etc. This is a big stand-alone white which defies much of what you know about Sauvignon Blanc. There is a good reason this white tasted last after four reds.
2. Dutton Goldfield - One of the Dutton Brothers operate this one while the other is a mile or two up the road. I've had one of these Pinots before and found it yummy. So, I wasn't disappointed here. Nice little house with no one around but us... we got a few bonus pours. I was surprised to see Gewurztraminer and Zinfandel on the list but they're both worth a try. Most surprising was the Rued Vineyard Chardonnay which was rich and full bodied. This is what we bought.
3. Dutton Estate - Brother number two seems to build his around Chardonnay and Pinot Noir although he has a fine Syrah as well - "My Father's Syrah." I focused on the Pinot Noir, of course, of which all three received curtain calls in 2007. The Karmen Isabella and the Thomas Road Pinot Noir is why one comes to the Russian River. We have one of each from 2008 and will be back for more I assure you.
4. Gary Ferrell - Everything here is good. Everything. We joined the wine club, enough said? Since we joined the club, we received a sweet discount on the Hallberg Vineyard 2007 Pinot. Reviewed by most 92 points and up. I am in total agreement. Do visit here, it is a wonderful house with outstanding views and even better wines.
5. Thomas George - Hey, it's a cave! Climate controlled, sprinkler systemed, and electrified.. it's a cave. The Pinots are good here.
6. Longboard - The Big Kahuna of the wine world shows off bold offerings of otherwise predictable grapes. I've been a fan of the Russian River Pinot Noir for some time, but Oded Shakked has a way with Syrah. Although not listed on his website, we now own a signed bottled of the Maverick Syrah! And Oded is right, KY Rocks! Well sometimes anyway...
Tomorrow is Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. Time for big Zinz!
Day III - The Lower Napa Valley
I've found it best to visit Napa during the weekdays as this avoids the tour bus crowd and the limos full of brides-to-be with their loaded posses. So, Friday was a relatively safe bet because we got out of there in the late afternoon.
1. Elizabeth Spencer - We are club members here so we got the royal treatment with a private tasting the the cottage behind the tasting room. Most of Spencer Graham's wines I'm already familiar with but we got the opportunity to try the 2007 Zinfandel which is not usually available.
2. Alpha Omega - Here too we are members. We arranged for a private tasting of the usual menu plus two library Cabs to compare with the current vintage. As a bonus, we received a barrel tasting from the 2008 Era yet to be bottled. It is amazing! Yes, we will be buying it. You don't want to know what it costs...
3. Pina - One of my favorites last year, Pina was a must see this year. The 2008 vintages didn't see the robust flavors of 2007, but that is true with almost everyone throughout the state. Still, with the 2007 D'Adamo Vineyard Cab offered at half price, this visit was very worthwhile. Yes, I bought one.
4. Miner - I own a 2005 Miner Oakville and wanted to get some opinions from the staff about has it is showing now. "Well," they say, "hold it 2 -3 more years." So I shall. Good stuff here, try the Viognier, very nice!
5. Peju - A big hit with us last year, this year not so much. Too many people crowded the tasting room so pours were small and the host was very short with us. I can't say what I liked and the selection was from the latest bottling. Do try to go to Peju when the crowd is thinner.
We had dinner at the Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar in Sonoma. Great menu, good wine menu as well. Tomorrow is Russian River and Healdsburg!
1. Elizabeth Spencer - We are club members here so we got the royal treatment with a private tasting the the cottage behind the tasting room. Most of Spencer Graham's wines I'm already familiar with but we got the opportunity to try the 2007 Zinfandel which is not usually available.
2. Alpha Omega - Here too we are members. We arranged for a private tasting of the usual menu plus two library Cabs to compare with the current vintage. As a bonus, we received a barrel tasting from the 2008 Era yet to be bottled. It is amazing! Yes, we will be buying it. You don't want to know what it costs...
3. Pina - One of my favorites last year, Pina was a must see this year. The 2008 vintages didn't see the robust flavors of 2007, but that is true with almost everyone throughout the state. Still, with the 2007 D'Adamo Vineyard Cab offered at half price, this visit was very worthwhile. Yes, I bought one.
4. Miner - I own a 2005 Miner Oakville and wanted to get some opinions from the staff about has it is showing now. "Well," they say, "hold it 2 -3 more years." So I shall. Good stuff here, try the Viognier, very nice!
5. Peju - A big hit with us last year, this year not so much. Too many people crowded the tasting room so pours were small and the host was very short with us. I can't say what I liked and the selection was from the latest bottling. Do try to go to Peju when the crowd is thinner.
We had dinner at the Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar in Sonoma. Great menu, good wine menu as well. Tomorrow is Russian River and Healdsburg!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Paso Robles - Day 2
We got into the very small production houses today after our start at Linne Calodo. I think we tapped the best stuff on day two here.
1. Linne Calodo - All Rhones here with some zins as well. The best of the bunch were "Problem Child" and "Cherry Red." Price is high but good quality and a great tasting room.
2. Lone Madrone - Smaller house run by the winemaker at Tablas Creek. This is his private label and he experiments with Rhones, Bordeaux, and Nebbiolo. Odd combination of these grapes make for good blends however.
3. Stephen's Cellar - Showing his wines in the Lone Madrone house, Stephen Goldman specializes in Pinot Noir. One very unique example, the "Moore Vineyard" is a must have. Big fruit bomb in a Pinot is rare so yes, I now own it. Goldman signed our bottle as a bonus.
4. Kenneth Volk - Also showing at Lone Madrone is Kenneth Volk, the former owner of Wild Horse also in Paso. Volk has odd varietals such as Malvasia Bianca (an Italian white), Cabernet Pfeffer (tastes like light Cab to me), and Tempranillo. But his star is his Bien Nicido Pinot Noir which exhibits much earth and green herbs along with a large finish. This too we purchases and Mr. Volk signed the bottle as a bonus.
5. Denner - Recommended by a few of the locals, we popped in. Rhones here that did not show any better than Vina Robles or Linne Calodo. The best stuff is reserved for the wine club (as are there picnic tables) so we didn't get to taste the reserves.
6. Chateau Margene - Oh yes, a shining star here in Paso! Coming to Paso? Go here. Do it last because winemaker Michael Mooney will spoil you. It's all good here. Really. He uses two labels - Chateau Margene (Bordeaux) and Mooney (Rhone). His reserve Cab is super refined and will impress you as much as a Rutherford heavy. But the wine we purchased was a dark horse Petit Sirah under the Mooney label. I believe this is the first Petit Sirah I've ever purchased and it is a dandy! 10% Cab really balances out this big time red.
As a bonus, Mooney told us all about his two vineyards and his process. This is truly a family business with his sons and wife doing the business end of things while he makes the wine. He signed our bottle as a bonus.
7. Jada - Also recommended by locals, Jada offers four tastes along with a cheese pairing. I liked their rose best.
8. Zin Alley - This is also a must see in Paso. Winemaker Frank Nerelli does zin best of everyone here. He is the former zin maker at Turley.. enough said? He told me he left Turley because of differences with the money people. Now, he makes four wines out of his house. Unlimited pours, unlimited tastes, all bottles are $44.
Frank poured his four - Zin Alley Zin, Nerelli Gen. 4, Zin Alley Zin Port, and Nerelli After Hours. I asked about his 2008 Zin and he said that he would get me a sample of his 2009 (still in barrel) to try. He took a wine thief into his barrel room and returned with a sample for us. It will be an amazing bottling.. it's still in barrel and I would buy it and store it in Mason jar if I had to.
All were outstanding especially the After Hours which is a Sauternes-like botrytised white made up of hand-selected Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Blanc inflicted with noble rot. He assured me that this will store 15-20 years and will gain a gold hue in time. It truly is outstanding... perhaps the Californian d'Yquem?
9. Midnight Cellars - Smaller low production house that makes plenty of wines including one rose, some Zins, Syrahs, Merlots and Petit Sirahs. One caught our attention, the Crescent Zin, which blended various vineyard grapes from the area including some from Dusi. As a bonus, this was on sale! Bought 6 and had them packed in a shipping container at the winery.
Weeden's Shippers on Riverside Drive will help you ship it all home. So our first 18 bottles are on the way back to KY. Yes, it is legal to ship wine to yourself.
In sum, when in Paso Robles, make sure to visit Chateau Margene, Zin Alley, and Lone Madrone (who also houses Stephen's Cellar and Kenneth Volk). I would avoid most of the "Frass Canyon" houses on the east side of US 101.
Tomorrow we're off to Napa.
1. Linne Calodo - All Rhones here with some zins as well. The best of the bunch were "Problem Child" and "Cherry Red." Price is high but good quality and a great tasting room.
2. Lone Madrone - Smaller house run by the winemaker at Tablas Creek. This is his private label and he experiments with Rhones, Bordeaux, and Nebbiolo. Odd combination of these grapes make for good blends however.
3. Stephen's Cellar - Showing his wines in the Lone Madrone house, Stephen Goldman specializes in Pinot Noir. One very unique example, the "Moore Vineyard" is a must have. Big fruit bomb in a Pinot is rare so yes, I now own it. Goldman signed our bottle as a bonus.
4. Kenneth Volk - Also showing at Lone Madrone is Kenneth Volk, the former owner of Wild Horse also in Paso. Volk has odd varietals such as Malvasia Bianca (an Italian white), Cabernet Pfeffer (tastes like light Cab to me), and Tempranillo. But his star is his Bien Nicido Pinot Noir which exhibits much earth and green herbs along with a large finish. This too we purchases and Mr. Volk signed the bottle as a bonus.
5. Denner - Recommended by a few of the locals, we popped in. Rhones here that did not show any better than Vina Robles or Linne Calodo. The best stuff is reserved for the wine club (as are there picnic tables) so we didn't get to taste the reserves.
6. Chateau Margene - Oh yes, a shining star here in Paso! Coming to Paso? Go here. Do it last because winemaker Michael Mooney will spoil you. It's all good here. Really. He uses two labels - Chateau Margene (Bordeaux) and Mooney (Rhone). His reserve Cab is super refined and will impress you as much as a Rutherford heavy. But the wine we purchased was a dark horse Petit Sirah under the Mooney label. I believe this is the first Petit Sirah I've ever purchased and it is a dandy! 10% Cab really balances out this big time red.
As a bonus, Mooney told us all about his two vineyards and his process. This is truly a family business with his sons and wife doing the business end of things while he makes the wine. He signed our bottle as a bonus.
7. Jada - Also recommended by locals, Jada offers four tastes along with a cheese pairing. I liked their rose best.
8. Zin Alley - This is also a must see in Paso. Winemaker Frank Nerelli does zin best of everyone here. He is the former zin maker at Turley.. enough said? He told me he left Turley because of differences with the money people. Now, he makes four wines out of his house. Unlimited pours, unlimited tastes, all bottles are $44.
Frank poured his four - Zin Alley Zin, Nerelli Gen. 4, Zin Alley Zin Port, and Nerelli After Hours. I asked about his 2008 Zin and he said that he would get me a sample of his 2009 (still in barrel) to try. He took a wine thief into his barrel room and returned with a sample for us. It will be an amazing bottling.. it's still in barrel and I would buy it and store it in Mason jar if I had to.
All were outstanding especially the After Hours which is a Sauternes-like botrytised white made up of hand-selected Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Blanc inflicted with noble rot. He assured me that this will store 15-20 years and will gain a gold hue in time. It truly is outstanding... perhaps the Californian d'Yquem?
9. Midnight Cellars - Smaller low production house that makes plenty of wines including one rose, some Zins, Syrahs, Merlots and Petit Sirahs. One caught our attention, the Crescent Zin, which blended various vineyard grapes from the area including some from Dusi. As a bonus, this was on sale! Bought 6 and had them packed in a shipping container at the winery.
Weeden's Shippers on Riverside Drive will help you ship it all home. So our first 18 bottles are on the way back to KY. Yes, it is legal to ship wine to yourself.
In sum, when in Paso Robles, make sure to visit Chateau Margene, Zin Alley, and Lone Madrone (who also houses Stephen's Cellar and Kenneth Volk). I would avoid most of the "Frass Canyon" houses on the east side of US 101.
Tomorrow we're off to Napa.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Paso Robles - Day One
The wineries in Paso Robles are scattered all over the hillsides. Be prepared to do much driving when you are in the area, much of it on hilly and curvy roads.
1. Turley - probably the best of all Zinfandel makers, at least here. The 2008 vintage is not nearly as ripe as 2007, but that probably holds true throughout the entire region for all varietals. Still, we purchased a 2008 Dusi Vineyard and the 2006 Ueberroth. The Ueberroth is unusual as it displays more earth and mushrooms (yeah, I know, strange).
2. Tablas Creek - Although we didn't purchase here, they pour nicely and have great Rhone blends as well as a few other surprises.
3. Adelaida - the Chenin Blanc from the library (2002 vintage) was very nice. We bought the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon which one the Los Angeles County wine tasting for red wines last year. This will compare to some of the good ones in Napa and Sonoma.
4. Eberle - Ever see Sideways? This reminded me of "Frass Canyon." Recall the scene where Miles pours a dump bucket all over himself.
5. Vina Robles - This house is a big-dollar affair. Much has gone into the construction of this wonderful winery... er, tasting room. They don't make the wine onsight here. At any rate, great stuff here, but the winner was their introductory red, the Red 4 table wine. Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Petit Sirah. Best thing about it, $16!
6. Roxo - Ports! A comped tasting, this was a real treat. Small production ports using Cabernet, Barbera, and traditional Portuguese grapes. The chocolate really shows through in the Barbera and Bordeaux styled "Paso Melange."
7. Clayhouse - Another comp, this house is right downtown as are many of the tasting rooms. Good lower priced stuff, we opted for the Estate Cuvee which is a Rhone blend.
8. Ortman - one of the original Napa winemakers, Chuck Ortman's Chardonnay actually was present at the famous 1976 tasting in Paris. "Mr. Chardonnay" is Ortman's handle and when you try his wine, I see why. He is credited with making the lower-oaked fresher style of Chardonnay which showed well in Paris. I found his Sangiovese his best offering.
As a note, it seems that the area is now favoring Syrah and Petit Sirah more than last year. There are many more wineries here this year. Paso Robles is now at least a two-day visit if you want to really see what is here.
1. Turley - probably the best of all Zinfandel makers, at least here. The 2008 vintage is not nearly as ripe as 2007, but that probably holds true throughout the entire region for all varietals. Still, we purchased a 2008 Dusi Vineyard and the 2006 Ueberroth. The Ueberroth is unusual as it displays more earth and mushrooms (yeah, I know, strange).
2. Tablas Creek - Although we didn't purchase here, they pour nicely and have great Rhone blends as well as a few other surprises.
3. Adelaida - the Chenin Blanc from the library (2002 vintage) was very nice. We bought the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon which one the Los Angeles County wine tasting for red wines last year. This will compare to some of the good ones in Napa and Sonoma.
4. Eberle - Ever see Sideways? This reminded me of "Frass Canyon." Recall the scene where Miles pours a dump bucket all over himself.
5. Vina Robles - This house is a big-dollar affair. Much has gone into the construction of this wonderful winery... er, tasting room. They don't make the wine onsight here. At any rate, great stuff here, but the winner was their introductory red, the Red 4 table wine. Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Petit Sirah. Best thing about it, $16!
6. Roxo - Ports! A comped tasting, this was a real treat. Small production ports using Cabernet, Barbera, and traditional Portuguese grapes. The chocolate really shows through in the Barbera and Bordeaux styled "Paso Melange."
7. Clayhouse - Another comp, this house is right downtown as are many of the tasting rooms. Good lower priced stuff, we opted for the Estate Cuvee which is a Rhone blend.
8. Ortman - one of the original Napa winemakers, Chuck Ortman's Chardonnay actually was present at the famous 1976 tasting in Paris. "Mr. Chardonnay" is Ortman's handle and when you try his wine, I see why. He is credited with making the lower-oaked fresher style of Chardonnay which showed well in Paris. I found his Sangiovese his best offering.
As a note, it seems that the area is now favoring Syrah and Petit Sirah more than last year. There are many more wineries here this year. Paso Robles is now at least a two-day visit if you want to really see what is here.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day One - Carmel Valley
Upon arrival at SFO, we were awarded with a complimentary upgrade in our rental car from the el cheapo Jeep Compass to the ever slightly better Dodge Journey. Down US 101 we trekked to our first stop, Carmel.
1. Bernardus - We did the same tasting with the same steward pouring as last year. We revisited most of the same wines with a more recent vintage. Unfortunately, the earlier Ingrid's Chardonnay is no longer available. The 2007 is very good so we bought it along with the 2003 Marinus.
2. Talbott - We opted for the reserve tasting since there were some offerings off the regular menu due to an earlier visit to the winery by undisclosed high-rollers. We drank up what was left of the big dollar selections including Case and Diamond T Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Big big Pinots here. Purchased the 2008 Logan Pinot Noir and the 2007 Cuvee Carlotta Chardonnay. Also got an advanced taste on the not-yet released 2008 Kali Hart Pinot Noir. All I can say is look for this soon!
3. Parsonage - A true gem! Small winery producing 3000 cases total per year. Great selection including a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux blend, Merlot/Petit Verdot, and (2) very nice Syrahs. Bill Parsons, the wine maker, gave us a great lecture on wine making, bottling and climate/terroir of the Carmel Valley. Purchased the Merlot (yes, the Merlot) and the Estate Syrah. Big big wines here for a very nice price.
We are checked in at one of the local hotels in Paso Robles for the night. We begin two days of hedonistic tastes around here which will include Justin, Turley, and Eberle along with many others.
1. Bernardus - We did the same tasting with the same steward pouring as last year. We revisited most of the same wines with a more recent vintage. Unfortunately, the earlier Ingrid's Chardonnay is no longer available. The 2007 is very good so we bought it along with the 2003 Marinus.
2. Talbott - We opted for the reserve tasting since there were some offerings off the regular menu due to an earlier visit to the winery by undisclosed high-rollers. We drank up what was left of the big dollar selections including Case and Diamond T Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Big big Pinots here. Purchased the 2008 Logan Pinot Noir and the 2007 Cuvee Carlotta Chardonnay. Also got an advanced taste on the not-yet released 2008 Kali Hart Pinot Noir. All I can say is look for this soon!
3. Parsonage - A true gem! Small winery producing 3000 cases total per year. Great selection including a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux blend, Merlot/Petit Verdot, and (2) very nice Syrahs. Bill Parsons, the wine maker, gave us a great lecture on wine making, bottling and climate/terroir of the Carmel Valley. Purchased the Merlot (yes, the Merlot) and the Estate Syrah. Big big wines here for a very nice price.
We are checked in at one of the local hotels in Paso Robles for the night. We begin two days of hedonistic tastes around here which will include Justin, Turley, and Eberle along with many others.
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