Tag Archives: Pinot noir

T.G.I.F. Bubbly – Bisol Desiderio Jeio Cuvée Rosé

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My wife and I make it a point to drink sparkling wine on a weekly basis.  It’s typically Friday night…thus “T.G.I.F. Bubbly”  It’s a celebration of sort, to the end of the workweek.  She get’s to drink, and enjoy the bubbly, while I get to drink, enjoy and blog about it!  This week’s sparkling wine is the Bisol Desiderio Jeio Cuvée Rosé

The Winery

Bisol Desiderio Jeio Cuvée Rosé is produced under the Desiderio Jeio label by the Bisol Family. The Bisol family also produces prosecco under the Bisol label.

The Bisol family had deep roots in the heart of the Prosecco and Cartizze production zone (considered to be the “Grand Cru of Prosecco).  In the 1920s Desidiero (affectionately referred to as “Jeio” by his wife) Bisol, son of Eliseo Bisol established a winery on land the family had occupied since the 16th century. His sons now run the company, which specializes in prosecco, the light sparkling wine made from the Glera grape.

“Champagne is the king of the bubble,” Mr. Bisol says. “But prosecco maybe can be considered the small prince.”

Bisol produces prosecco in many styles and price ranges, as well as a sparkling brut rosé from pinot nero (known elsewhere as pinot noir), still whites and reds from local varietals, and grappa, the Italian brandy made from pomace.

The Wine

I found this unique sparkling wine at the Wine Mine. It’s unique sparkling wine in that it’s made from Pinot Nero (Noir) and Merlot – a grape not typically associated with Italian wines.

A short maceration on the skins of Merlot and Pinot Noir with the juice gives this sparkling wine an intense pink color.

My tasting notes follow

Delicate pink color with tiny dispersed bubbles with low-key raspberry  and rose aromas. On the palate it’s fresh, lively and dry with a creamy mousse followed by strawberry, raspberry, and mineral flavors. Short clean finish.  - 86pts

Rating: Recommended! I’d buy this one again, and it’s definitely worth trying and represents very good value – especially for a sparkling Rosé, which tend to be priced higher than their non-Rose siblings.

Pair with: Seafood dishes and delicate foods

The Wine Geek Stuff:

  • Alcohol: 12.% alcohol.
  • Closure: Cork
  • Where it’s from: > Italy> Veneto
  • Grape varieties: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Merlot
  • Production method: Charmat 
  • Dosage: Brut
  • Retail: $12.99
  • Cases produced: Unknown
  • Drink: Now – 2014
  • >>Find this wine<<

Wine purchased for review

Follow me on Twitter @martindredmond for all things wine, and since I’m a wino, with latent foodie tendencies, you’ll also find food and wine pairings, and food related stuff!  Become a fan and join ENOFYLZ Wine Blog on Facebook. Cheers! This article is original to ENOFYLZ Wine Blog.com. Copyright 2013 ENOFYLZ Wine Blog. All rights reserved.

Naked Sparkling Fun for Valentine’s Day or Singles Awareness Day!

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Sure everybody knows about Valentine’s Day, but did you know there is a “Singles Awareness Day” (S.A.D.) too? It’s celebrated tomorrow, or the 14th, or the 15th.  Makes sense too…there are plenty of folks who are single and not involved in a romantic relationship.

I say celebrate either way!  And nothing says celebration like a bottle of bubbly! So whether you’re looking to add a little “je ne sais quo“, a little “pop”, to your Valentine’s Day  or Singles Awareness Day celebration, think sparkling wine!  Better yet, think sweet pink sparkling wine! It just screams “It’s party time” – solo, duo or otherwise!

This sweet pink sparkling wine is brought to you by the good folks at Naked Rebel Winery.  Naked Rebel winery was started by two brothers Chip (“Winemaker and Professional Cuddler”), and AJ Forsythe (“Sir Money Bags”) who made wine while they attended Cal Poly.  Aside from this wine, sold under the Pink Panda Cellars label, they also produce a Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend for “the young at heart”

glow in the dark bottle

Pink Panda Bottle Glowing in the dark

Every bottle we make is printed with glow in the dark ink, so you and your loved one can find them in the dark.  You’re welcome.

There’s some clever marketing in full effect at Naked Rebel aimed straight at Millenials, and other casual wine drinkers who want to get their drink on without feeling compelled to be intellectually stimulated.  In fact, I suspect the good folks at Naked have another type of stimulation in mind. I think there are droves of folk who’ll they Naked hits the nail on the head when they say…

It is Pink, it is supposed to be fruity!

Because despite the ever-growing trend toward dry pink wines, there’s a big market for consumers who think pink and think sweet.  And they like it like that!

This one is worth checking out too because  behind the glow in the dark, cute Panda packaging you’ll find a good pink sparkling pink made from Pinot Noir.

Pink Panda Sparkling

Pink Panda Sparkling

My tasting note follows:

Pretty pink color with ripe fresh strawberry soda aromas.  On the palate, it’s fruity, and sweet with a moderately creamy mousse and strawberry and raspberry flavors.  

If you like your sparkling wine fruity and sweet, this is a fun quaff I recommend!  Proceeds from the sale of this Pink Panda supports  a good cause too.  For  every bottle you buy, Naked Rebel Winery makes donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Pair with: Chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry shortcake, creme brulee, or for the young or young at heart celebrating V-Day, get naked and pair with your sweetheart! And for those celebrating Singles Awareness Day? I say you deserve to celebrate too!

The Wine Geek Stuff:

  • Alcohol: 11% alcohol.
  • Closure: Cork
  • Where it’s from: > California> Sonoma>Alexander Valley
  • Grape varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
  • Production method: Charmat Bulk
  • Dosage: Demi-Sec
  • Retail: $18
  • Cases produced: 400
  • Drink: Now – 2014
  • >>Find this wine<<

Sample provided for review by Naked Rebel Winery

Follow me on Twitter @martindredmond for all things wine, and since I’m a wino, with latent foodie tendencies, you’ll also find food and wine pairings, and food related stuff!  . Become a fan and join ENOFYLZ Wine Blog on Facebook. Cheers!

This article is original to ENOFYLZ Wine Blog.com. Copyright 2013 ENOFYLZ Wine Blog. All rights reserved.

Tasted: A Trio of V. Sattui Winery Wines

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V. Sattui Winery is located in Napa Valley town of St. Helena.  It’s one of the most popular stops (over 400k visitors annually) along Highway 29.  And with a plethora of wonderful wines (over 45), an on-site gourmet deli and cheese shop, great picnic grounds, and a reasonable ($10) wine-tasting fee (down-right inexpensive by Napa Valley standards)- why not?!

V. Sattui has an interesting history – Before Prohibition, and After Prohibition.  The winery traces it’s roots back to 1885 when Vittorio Sattui established a winery in Italian Colony of the North Beach in San Francisco.  The winery later expanded and flourished in the Mission District of The City.  Then, after Prohibition was enacted in 1919, the winery closed.

The story picked up again in 1976 when Dario Sattui re-stablished the winery. But not without being on the verge of going out of business.  Dario’s persistence, vision, innovation, and commitment to excellence has guided V. Sattui Winery to the pinnacle of success (click here for complete history)  That same vision, and commitment to excellence lead Dario found Castello Di Amorosa.

“We don’t deify wine…It’s not about the wine, it’s about having a good time.” – Dario Sattui (courtesy of SF Gate)

V. Sattui Winery is a winery-direct business, meaning the wines may only be purchased at the winery in St. Helena, on-line or by phone. The wines aren’t sold in stores or restaurants.

V Sattui Trio

I have a confession – as many times, as I’ve been to Napa, I’ve never visited the winery.  That’s primarily because I tend to favor smaller wineries.  After tasting this trio of wines, I’ll be rectifying my oversight my next trip to Napa Valley!

My tasting notes follow:

V Sattui 2009 PS

2009 V. Sattui Winery Petite Sirah

Inky violet color with tart black fruit, chocolate, and cedarwood aromas. On the palate it’s medium-full bodied, with dusty tannins (I like a wine with some grip), and ripe blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and dark chocolate flavors. Medium finish. – 89pts

Rating: Recommended.

The Wine Geek Stuff:

  • Alcohol: 14.8%
  • Closure: Cork
  • AVA: > California> Napa Valley
  • Grape Varieties: 97% Petite Sirah, 2% Petite Verdot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Cooperage: 18 months in 16% new American oak, 24% New French Oak, 60% seasoned oak
  • Vineyard: Allias Vineyard; Head-trained vines planted in 1926
  • Retail: $35
  • Cases produced: 150

V. Sattui 2009 Zin

2009 V. Sattui Winery Zinfandel Gilsson Vineyard

Violet color appealing briary, floral dark fruit and spice aromas. On the palate, it’s medium full bodied with well integrated dusty tanning, medium acidity and mixed berry, black cherry, vanilla and spice flavors. Medium long finish. – 91pts

Rating: Highly Recommended.

The Wine Geek Stuff:

  • Alcohol: 15%
  • Closure: Cork
  • AVA: > California> Sonoma County> Russian River Valley
  • Grape Varieties: 98% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah
  • Cooperage: 18 months in 13% new American Oak, 22% new French oak, 65% seasoned oak
  • Vineyard: Gilsson Vineyard; Head-trained vines planted in early 1960s
  • Retail: $37
  • Cases produced: 839

V Sattui 2010 PN

2010 V. Sattui Winery Pinot Noir Henry Ranch Carneros

Ruby color with very good aromatics of cherry, raspberry, and spice. On the palate, it’s creamy smooth and medium bodied with cherry, raspberry and spice flavors. Med long finish. – 90pts

Rating: Highly Recommended.

The Wine Geek Stuff:

  • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • Closure: Cork
  • AVA: > California> Napa / Sonoma> Carneros
  • Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
  • Cooperage: 10 months in 50% new French oak, 50% seasoned French oak.
  • Vineyard: Henry Ranch Vineyard; planted to Pommard and Dijon clones
  • Retail: $39
  • Cases produced: 1089

Wines above were provided as media samples for my review

 

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Wine Of The Week: 2008 Loring Wine Company Clos Pepe Pinot Noir

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My Wine Of The Week for October 27-November 2 is the 2008 Loring Wine Company Close Pepe Pinot Noir.

The Winery

Loring Wine Company (“LWC”),  an urban winery is owned by brother and sister – Brian, and Kimberly Loring. Brian is the winemaker,and self-proclaimed “Pinot-Freak”.

You know how most wine lovers start modestly with “starter” wines?  Brian did not.

While in college, he worked at a wine store in Southern California where one of the owners was a Burgundy fanatic. Brian’s first experiences with Burgundy were from the some big-time Burgundy producers such as Domaine Dujac, Henri Jayer and the iconic Domaine Romanee-Conti.

After college he worked as a software engineer before getting hooked on the wine business.  He got his start working the ’97 crush at Cottonwood Canyon Winery, and ended up making two barrels of Pinot Noir.

Loring has been a darling of Wine Spectator (“WS”) for a few years now, consistently earning 90+ point scores for their wines.  That’s actually how I came to know about Loring.  When I subscribed to WS a few years ago, I was reading an issue and amazed at how many high scores Loring received.  I found out who they were, and purchased a bunch of wines from their vaunted 2008 vintage.  Subsequently, when my wife and I arranged for a private tasting  hosted by co-owner Kimberly Loring.  Brian was also on hand.  They were very gracious hosts,and we came away impressed.

While they focus primarily on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also produce a Cabernet Sauvignon/Mourvedre blend called Divergence which has also received critical acclaim.  It’s expensive though at $100/bottle.

The wines are sold through a mailing list and there is widespread retail distribution. Tasting is by appointment in the “Lompoc Wine Ghetto”. The tasting room is open Friday through Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 (Monday through Thursday by appointment – 805-742-0478).

The Wine

This wine is sourced from the Clos Pepe Vineyard, an example of LWC sourcing first-rate Pinot Noir grapes from prestigious vineyards. The vineyard is located in the Santa Rita Hills AVA, an area that is ideally suited for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Grapes.

The list other wineries who have sourced grapes from the same vineyard is a testament to the quality of the fruit, and reads like a Pinot Noir All-Star line-up.  Aside from LWC, other wineries who have sourced their fruit from Clos Pepe include A.P. Vin, Arcadian, Bonaccorsi Wine Company, Brewer-Clifton Winery, Carr Vineyards, Copain, Ken Brown, Kenneth Crawford, Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Winery, Loring Wine Company, The Ojai Vineyard, Roessler Cellars, Siduri and Tyler.

 

Stylistically, LWC wines are “New World” style.  And for that reason they can be polarizing. They tend to be unapologetically “big” ripe wines (I vividly recall Brian describing one of his Pinots as a “steak Pinot”…and you know what?…it’s true!) that some believe to overly ripe.  Although, I have seen the alcohol level trending down the last couple of years.

My tasting notes follows:

Dark ruby color with cherry, plum, cola and spice aromas. On the palate, it’s intense, fresh, medium-full bodied, and silky smooth with cherry, cola, and spice flavors. Long finish. – 91pts

Recommendation: Highly recommended, especially if you prefer a more fruit-driven (though still well-structured) style Pinot.

The Wine Geek Stuff:

Alcohol: 15.2% alcohol.

Closure: Screwcap.

AVA: > California> Central Coast> Santa Rita Hills – Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal(s): Pinot Noir

Cooperage: Unknown

Retail: $43

Cases produced: 200

Related post you might be interested in:

Wine Of The Week: 2009 Copain Syrah Les Voisins

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My Wine Of The Week for October 13 – October 19 is the 2009 Copain Syrah Les Voisins.

The Winery

Copain Winery was founded by winemaker Wells Guthrie in 1999.  The winery sits atop a hillside with an astounding view of the Russian River Valley.  As I looked out over the valley on gorgeous Indian summer day, I was struck with a sense of tranquility I can still vividly recall!

View of the Russian River Valley from Copain Winery

View of the Russian River Valley from Copain Winery

According to the Copain website…

Wells Guthrie discovered early on that his taste in wine gravitated toward Europe in general and France’s Rhône Valley in particular. So much so, he picked up and moved with his new bride to the region to learn from the best. For two years, Wells apprenticed for esteemed winemaker and living legend Michel Chapoutier in France’s Rhone Valley. During that time, Wells was deeply inspired by the traditions and practices of French winemaking, not to mention the European attitude that wine is an essential part of life.

Mr Guthrie started the winery with an old friend, and named it Copain, which means ‘friend” in French.  Copain is focused on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,and Syrah.  They also produce a Rose, and an interesting, food friendly and outstanding wine named “P2″ which is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. They offer three lines of wines, the entry-level “Tous Ensembles”, mid-level “Les Voisins”, and their top of the line “Single Vineyard” Wines.

Their beautiful tasting room, located in Healdsburg, is open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, and by appointment only Sunday through Wednesday. There is a $15 tasting fee, which is waived with the purchase of wine.  They also offer a seasonal “Picnic Pairing” tasting option, where you taste three wines chosen by Copain to pair with a picnic lunch from Chloe’s French Cafe for $35.

The Wine

I picked up this wine a few weeks back when my wife and I went to Sonoma to attend the Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival.  We drove up on a Friday, and visited several wineries.  Copain was easily the winery of the day!

This wine is a blend of grapes from 3 neighboring vineyards in the cool-climate Yorkville Highlands AVA in Mendocino County.  The vineyards are planted on a rocky hillsides which rise from 600 to 2500 feet elevation. Guthrie uses whole cluster fermentation for 30% of the wine and does not use new wood for ageing.

2009 Copain Syrah Les Voisins

2009 Copain Syrah Les Voisins

We picked up several bottles of wine when we visited. I’m a sucker for cool-climate Syrah, but all the wines we tasted were elegant and well-balanced. I highly recommend the winery…and next time we go, we’re going to have that picnic tasting!

My tasting notes follow:

Opaque black-red color with aromatic mixed berry, and floral aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, well-balanced and elegant with fresh acidity and black cherry, raspberry, and mineral flavors. Medium-long finish! – 91pts

 

Highly recommended!  This is a world-class Syrah for $36!

The Wine Geek Stuff:

Alcohol: 13.9% alcohol.

Closure: Cork.

AVA: >California> North Coast>Yorkville Highlands

Varietal(s): 100% Syrah

Cooperage: Neutral Oak

Retail: $36

Cases produced: Unknown

 

Wine Of The Week: Ancien Pinot Noir Red Dog Vineyard

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The 2010 Ancien Pinot Noir Red Dog Vineyard is my Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for September 8th-September14th.

The Winery

Ancien Wines is a Napa based winery founded by Ken and Teresa Bernards.  Ken is the winemaker.  Like so many winemakers, he has a background in science. He worked his first harvest in 1986, while still pursuing his degree in chemistry at Oregon State University.  He made their first five barrels of Ancien Pinot Noir Carneros in 1992, and since 1998 they have been making wine of under the Ancien label.

Ancien is focused exclusively on producing Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.  Grapes for their wines are sourced from throughout California, Oregon, and even Burgundy, France.  According to their website, “Ken is the only winemaker to import grapes whole from France and then vinify them in California”.  Ken also works as a consulting winemaker for wineries in California and Chile.

I discovered the Ancien Pinot Noir at the 2012 Family Winemakers of California held September 9th and 10th.  Toward the end of the day, I ran into one of my wine buddies, Lamont after I’d finished tasting Meritage Red wines all day. At that point,  I was in what I call “Taster’s Choice” (a.k.a. Wine Tasting By Walking Around) mode.  I asked him if he had any recommendations. He’s was focusing on Pinot Noir that day. He recommended Ancien.  I trust Lamont’s palate, so I headed on over.  Glad I did. Thanks Lamont!

The Wine

The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Red Dog Vineyard, which sits atop Sonoma Mountain at about 1000 feet elevation, on the cool western side.  The vineyard was planted in 2000, primarily to Swan Selection (named after Joseph Swan who propagated the clone in the Russian River Valley) along with a smaller block of Dijon clones 777 and 115. At the 1000 foot elevation, the vineyard is almost continually cooled by the ocean breezes from the Pacific moving inland through the Petaluma Gap.  Pinot Noir likes such conditions. According to Ancien Wines…

 The soils are some of the most ancient soils in Sonoma County and have been leached of nutrients by wind and rain for aeons.  It is a truly spectacular vista point but a challenging place to grow grapes.

The wine may be purchased at Ancien Wines. It appears it’s yet to be released.  The 2009 vintage is sold out.

2010 Ancien Pinot Noir Red Dog Vineyard

2010 Ancien Pinot Noir Red Dog Vineyard

My tasting notes follow:

Ruby color with aromatic cherry, baking spice, and a bit of earthy aromas. On the palate it’s medium-full bodied, silky smooth and well-balanced with tart cherry, cranberry, and cinnamon clove flavors. Medium-long finish.  - 92pts Highly recommended

 

The winery is located in the Coombsville AVA, just east of the city of Napa.  Tasting is available by appointment only at that location.  Alternatively, the wine are available for tasting at the  Vintner’s Collective in downtown Napa.  These are wine definitely worth seeking out.  I know I plan to!

The Wine Geek Stuff:

Alcohol: 14.3% alcohol.

Closure: Cork.

AVA:  > California> Sonoma> Sonoma Mountain

Varietal(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Cooperage: Aged in French Oak

Retail: $48

Cases produced: Unknown

Ageability: Drink now, or hold for 5-7 years

 


Wine of the Week – 2010 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve

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The 2010 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve is my Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for September 1st-September 7th. It was my wine of choice for the 3rd annual #PinotSmackdown on September 6th!

The Winery

The Robert Mondavi Winery was established in 1966 by Robert Mondavi, one of the most influential and esteemed winemakers in California history (Click here for his story).  It was the first major winery built in Napa Valley, and for decades was California’s most famous winery.  It was acquired by Constellation Brands in 2004.

It’s a beautiful property with classic California mission-style architecture, with the expansive archway and bell tower.  I must confess, I haven’t been in a long time.  I recall visiting one of my first trips to Napa.  Nowadays, I tend to visit the smaller wineries.  But after tasting this wine, and their Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (see post below), I’m going to have to drop by next time I go to Napa!

The Wine

The grapes for this wine were sourced from vineyards in cool climate Carneros AVA in the southernmost part of the Napa Valley. 82% of the fruit is from the Rancho Carneros Vineyard, planted in 1970, and 18% is from the Hyde Vineyards, planted in 1979.

What struck me most about this wine is how silky smooth it is.

2010 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve

2010 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve

My tasting notes follow:

Dark ruby color with fresh cherry, pomegranate, cedarwood, and floral aromas. On the palate it’s complex, medium-bodied and balanced with a very silky mouthfeel, and tart-ish cherry, cranberry and pomegranate flavors. Long finish. – 91pts; Highly recommended

 

This wine is a great example of why I love Pinot Noir. I arrived home after a loooong day at work, to discover Chicken Curry (mild) for dinner.  I paired this wine with the Chicken Curry, and a Quinoa Zucchini salad dressed with a lemon balsamic vinegar chia seed dressing.  This wine worked well with both, in part due to the inherent acidity of Pinot Noir, and in part because it’s medium-bodied rather than a light-bodied Pinot Noir.  Pinot Noir is known as the Chef’s wine for good reason, it’s such a versatile food pairing partner!

The Wine Geek Stuff:

Alcohol: 14.5% alcohol.

Closure: Cork.

AVA:  > California> Napa Valley> Carneros

Varietal(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Cooperage: Aged in 100% new French Oak for 12 months

Retail: $60

Cases produced: 1,903

Media Sample

Many thanks to Folsom & Associates for providing the wine.

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Lompoc Wine Ghetto;Central Coast Wine Touring-Day 2

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After a great day of tasting mostly Rhône and Bordeaux varietals in Paso Robles on Day 1 of our trip to the Central Coast, we decided mix it up and head south to the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, which is  between 1.5-2 hour drive south of Paso Robles.  While Paso is mostly known as home to Rhônes, Santa Barbara, in which the Lompoc Wine Ghetto is located, is mostly known for Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

We were introduced to the Lompoc Wine Ghetto (“Ghetto”) a couple of years ago  to when we made a side trip there from the California Wine Festival at Santa Barbara to visit  Palmina.  We also visited last year after a private tasting at Loring Wine Company.  We enjoyed it so much we decided to return this year!

Here’s a quick 411 on the Ghetto…

  • Loose collection of wineries located in the Sobhani Industrial Park in Lompoc
  • 18 Tasting rooms representing 20 local brands
  • Great place to go wine tasting due to the proximity of the tasting rooms to one another – the wine version of “One-stop shopping”
  • While there’s plenty of Pinot, and Chardonnay being poured, there’s a wonderful diversity of wine being offered in the tasting rooms, including cool-climate Syrah, and Italian varietals.
  • The place exudes the passion and energy of the winemakers, and the folks staffing the tasting rooms are knowledgeable and friendly.

I like what the Lompoc Wine Ghetto website says…

You won’t find great estates with rolling hills here, nor opulent tasting rooms with soaring ceilings. What you will find is world-class wine, presented in a laid back atmosphere.

Day 2 – Saturday; April 28th

Before we hit the road, we enjoyed a great breakfast at Panolivo - a family bistro in Downtown Paso for breakfast.  Think French country inn meets California.  Definitely recommended.

Lompoc Wine Ghetto Wine Tour Breakfast at Panolivo

Panolivo Egg Torta – Yum!

After breakfast, we were off to the prosaic landscape of the Lompoc Wine Ghetto…

No bucolic scenary…It’s definitely substance over beauty.  But a gun shop in the midst of all those fine wines?

It’s not everyday you find a gun shop next to a winery…Now that’s Ghetto! ;-)

Our first stop was Evening Land Vineyards:  

Address: 1503 East Chestnut Ave, Lompoc CA
Phone: (805) 736-9656
Open Hours: Friday-Sunday 11AM-5PM
Tasting Fee: $10
Food Available: No
Picnic Area: No

Evening Land was established by Mark Tarlov in 2005.  It specializes in producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their organically farmed estate vineyards.  The vineyards are located in three regions renown for great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fruit,  the Eola-Amity Hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Sonoma Coast AVA, and Santa Barbara County’s Santa Rita Hills.

Their wines are organized into four tiers – Blue , Silver, Gold, White label. Each tier has a specific geographic focus.  The blue label wines have the broadest focus, and the white label wine have the most narrow focus.  For example, there is a blue label “California” Pinot Noir, whereas the white label Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir is a vineyard designate.  The wines are priced accordingly and range from $30-$120. Production is 5,000 cases annually.

Here’s what we tasted:

  • 2010 Evening Land Vineyards Chardonnay Arroyo Grande Valley
  • 2009 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Blue Label
  • 2010 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Spanish Springs
  • 2009 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, CA
  • 2009 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Memorious

My favorite was the 2009 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Memorious, which I scored 92 pts.  All the wines manifest a more European style – lower alcohol, higher acidity, and more minerality.

My two cents? – Recommended, especially if  you enjoy more Old World style wines.

Lompoc Wine Ghetto - Evening Land Wine Tasting Lineup

In addition to the aforementioned wines from Oregon and California, Evening Land also offers wines from from Burgundy.  We purchased this one…

Lompoc Wine Ghetto - Evening Land Burgundy wine

2009 Evening Land Vineyards Beaune 1er Cru Bressandes

We weren’t able to taste it,  but I picked up a bottle because I’ve never had a Burgundy, and I think Evening Land is a great place to start!  Now if I can only hold onto it for a few years!

Our next stop was Zotovich Cellars:

Address: 1500 E. Chestnut Ct.; Suite D, Lompoc CA
Phone: (805) 736-1600
Open Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm or by appointment
Tasting Fee: $10
Food Available: No
Picnic Area: No

Zotovich Cellars is a family operated winery producing 100% Santa Rita Hills Estate Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay & Viognier.   The partners in the winery are the owner Steve Zotovich, and his nephew Ryan Zotovich who is the Winemaker.  We had the good fortune of Pete Zotovich pouring for us.  According to Pete, they produce about 1,700 cases of wine annually.

Here’s what we tasted:

  • 2009 Zotovich Cellars Chardonnay
  • 2011 Zotovich Cellars Rosé
  • 2009 Zotovich Estate Pinot Noir
  • 2009 Zotovich Estate Reserve Pinot Noir
  • 2009 Zotovich Syrah

Pete Zotovich showing a bottle of their Estate Pinot Noir

My favorite wine, hands down, was the  Syrah, which I rated 92 pts.  I very much enjoyed the Pinot Noirs as well.

My two cents? – Recommended. 

Next up? – Arcadian Winery

Address: 1515- B East Chestnut Avenue, Lompoc CA
Phone: (805) 737-3900
Open Hours: Daily – 11AM-5PM
Tasting Fee: $15 (For 5 wines)
Food Available: Yes
Picnic Area: Not exactly, though there is a small area with tables and chairs outside.

Arcadian is owned by Joe Davis.  He is a  believer in Old World (Burgundian) methods of crafting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.  He has been making Arcadian wines in the Central Coast since 1996.  They are a true “urban” winery in the sense that they own no vineyards. Their wines are released after extended barrel aging.  They often lag the market by one or two vintages. For example, the most recent available vintage we tasted was 2007.  Production is 8,000 cases annually.

Here’s what we tasted:

  • 2006 Arcadian Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay – Santa Lucia Highlands
  • 2007 Arcadian Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir – Santa Lucia Highlands
  • 2006 Arcadian Jill’s Cuvée Pinot Noir – Santa Maria Valley
  • 2006 Arcadian Westerly Syrah – Santa Ynez Valley
  • 2006 Arcadian Purisma Syrah – Santa Ynez Valley

It was a challenge to pick a favorite because they were all outstanding (90+ point) wines.  But if you twist my arm, it would have to be the 2006 Arcadian Jills Cuveee Pinot Noir, which I rated 93 pts.

My two cents? – Highly Recommended

Up next…Loring Wine Company

Address: 1591 East Chestnut Ave, Lompoc CA
Phone: (805) 742-0478
Open Hours: Friday-Sunday 12PM-5PM
Tasting Fee: $10
Food Available: No
Picnic Area: No

Loring has been a darling of Wine Spectator (“WS”) for a few years now, consistently earning 90+ point scores for their wines.  That’s actually how I came to know about Loring.  When I subscribed to WS a couple of years ago, I was reading an issue and amazed at how many high scores Loring received.  I found out who they were, and purchased a bunch of wines from their vaunted 2008 vintage.  Subsequently, when my wife and I went to the Wine Festival in Santa Barbara in 2011, we made it a point to arrange for a private tasting on our way to Santa Barbara.  We had a great private tasting hosted by co-owner Kimberly Loring who is the sister of owner/winemaker Brian Loring, who was also on hand.  They were very gracious hosts,and we came away impressed.  Back in 2011 they hadn’t opened their current wine tasting room in the Ghetto, so we were looking forward to checking out the new digs and of course, the current releases.  Like Arcadian, Loring is an urban winery in that they own no vineyards. While they focus primarily on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also produce a Cabernet Sauvignon/Mourvedre blend called Divergence which has also received critical acclaim.  It’s expensive though at $100/bottle.

Loring’s wines can be polarizing. They tend to be unapologetically “big” ripe wines (I vividly recall Brian describing one of his Pinots as a “steak Pinot”…and you know what?…it’s true!) that some believe to overly ripe.  They have little in common with the Evening Land wines.  It does appear though, the alcohol levels have tapered off a bit the last couple of years.

Here’s what we tasted:

  • 2010 Rosella’s Vineyard Chardonnay
  • 2010 Durrell Vineyard Chardonnay
  • 2010 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
  • 2010 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
  • 2010 Russell Family Vineyard Pinot Noir
  • 2010 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir
  • 2010 Rancho La Viña Pinot Noir
  • 2008 Divergence

My favorite wine was the Rancho La Viña Pinot Noir which I rated 92 pts.  And you’d be hard pressed to find a better value in Pinot Noir than their Appellation series Pinots (Russian River Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, and Santa Rita Hills), which I highly recommend.   

My two cents? – Highly Recommended, especially if you prefer the big, bold Pinot Noir

Last stop? -Longoria Winery

Address: 1700 Industrial Way, Unit A, Lompoc CA
Phone: (866) 759-4637
Open Hours: Friday-Sunday 12PM-5PM
Tasting Fee: $10
Food Available: No
Picnic Area: No

Longoria is an “artisanal” family winery established in 1982 by Rick and Diana Longoria.  It was the first winery located in the complex now know as the Lompoc Wine Ghetto.  Their estate vineyard is the Fe Ciega Vineyard, which is located in the western portion of the Santa Rita Hill AVA.   The vineyard is planted mostly to Pinot Noir.  It was planted in 1998.  Production is about 3,500 cases annually

Here’s what we tasted:

  • 2011 Pinot Grigio
  • 2008 Pinot Noir – Fe Ciega Vineyard
  • 2010 Pinot Noir – Bien Nacido Vineyard
  • 2009 Tempranillo – Clover Creek Vineyard
  • 2009 Evidence

My favorite wine was the 2009 Tempranillo – Clover Creek Vineyard, which I rated 91 pts.  The 2010 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir was also outstanding!

My two cents? – Recommended

My winery of the day was Arcadian!  

All in all, it was a great day of wine tasting. After sampling 28 wines, all I can say is thank goodness for spit buckets (well at least for me because I’m the D.D….um my wife and her friend were a different story…let’s just say it was a quiet ride back to Paso;-) The Ghetto is a must stop destination for wine tourists in my book.

We did make one final stop after a full day off wine tasting…Surf Beach, which features a stop for the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner…very cool!

Surf Beach - just down the road a bit from the Lompoc Wine Ghetto

Surf Beach – just down the road a bit from the Lompoc Wine Ghetto

We’re already planning our return trip next year – Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise!

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Wine Of The Week – 2010 La Follette Sangiacomo Chardonnay

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My Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for August 5th-August 11th  is the 2010 La Follette Sangiacomo Chardonnay

The Winery

La Follette is a small Sonoma County winery specializing in producing small-lot Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.  Additionally, they also produce a Pinot Meunier, a grape you don’t find bottled as a single varietal very often.  The winery is a partnership between proprietors Pete and Terri Kight and winemaker Greg La Follette.  It was launched in 2010.  In addition to this wine, and the aforementioned Pinot Meunier, they also produce two other single-vineyard designate Chardonnay, four single-vineyard designate Pinot Noir along with North Coast appellation Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and a Pinot Noir dessert wine!

The winemaker,Greg La Follette, is not only a renown authority on Pinot Noir, he is a subject matter expert in the area of mouthfeel.  He has studied and experimented extensively with yeasts and how different yeasts affect the mouthfeel and flavors of a wine.  According to La Follette…

His discoveries in this area shine through in the seductive texture and refined balance of his wines

The Wine

The fruit for this wine was sourced from the  Roberts Road Vineyard, which is one of the many Sangiacomo Vineyards properties.  It is located  at the base of Sonoma Mountain in the Penngrove-Cotati area and benefits from the cooling influence of the Petaluma Gap.  It’s located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, an appellation known for producing great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.  The vineyard was planted in 1998.

The wine was fermented on native yeast, and raised in French oak barrels for 10 months.  It was aged sur lies with early bâttonage (stirring on the lees).

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My tasting notes follow:

Very light golden-yellow straw color with aromatic honeysuckle, butter, pineapple and slight vanilla aromas. On the palate, it’s elegant with a creamy, enticing mouthfeel. It is smooth, medium-bodied, and nicely balanced with good acidity accompanied by tart apple, pear, lemon, mineral and vanilla flavors. – 91 pts

Recommendation: Highly Recommended – This is an excellent Chard that shows great balance!

Details: 

Alcohol: 14.2%

Closure: Cork

AVA: Sonoma Coast.

Varietal(s): Chardonnay.

Production: 560 cases

Suggested Retail: $38 USD

Media Sample

Many thanks to Folsom & Associates for providing the wine.

T.G.I.F. Champagne And The Like…NV Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé

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Domaine Carneros was founded in 1987 by Champagne Taittinger of France in partnership with Kobrand Corporation. It is located in the heart of Carneros in Napa Valley, along with Gloria Ferrer. The Carneros terroir is ideally suited to producing Chardonnay,and Pinot Noir, typically the backbone of both Champagne, and California Sparkling wine. Domaine Carneros sources 95% of their fruit from organic estate vineyards, and all of their wines are labeled with the Carneros appellation.  Eileen Crane is the winery’s first and only sparkling winemaker.

Domaine Carneros is housed in a beautiful Chateau that was built in 1988. The building was inspired by historic Chateau de la Marquetterie in Champagne France, which is the estate home of the Taittinger family.

For my vegan friends, to my knowledge, Domaine Carneros is the only sparkling wine producer in the U.S. that makes vegan-friendly wines. And their entire 350 acre estate is all certified organic. 

From Domaine Carneros…

The Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour, celebrates the life and times of Madame de Pompadour (the great courtesan and mistress of Louis XV) who is credited with introducing Champagne to the court and was an influential tastemaker in the matters of art, architecture and philosophy–famous for her comment, “Champagne is the only wine a woman can drink and remain beautiful.”

NV Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé

Where it’s from: California>Napa Valley>Carneros

The grape(s) Pinot Noir (58%), and Chardonnay (42%)

Production method: Traditional Method 

Alcohol: 12.%

Dosage: Brut

Retail: $36

My tasting notes follow:

Pretty pink-orange color aromas of wild strawberries, sweet yeast, and a slight floral note with a persistent bead of tiny bubbles. On the palate, it’s displays a creamy mousse, is medium-bodied and fruity, yet dry with fresh wild strawberry, cherry, and a bit of citrus peel flavors.  Medium long finish – 90pts

Pair with: The beauty of sparkling wines is their versatility with food, because of their palate cleansing quality (think scrubbing bubbles;-). This one would be wonderful as an aperitif , and also with appetizers and lighter fare such as watermelon-goat cheese bits, cheeses like Brie, or Fontina, or try with a  Nicoise or Cobb salad.  It would make a great wine to bring along on a picnic!

Highly recommended! Would purchase again!

Cheers!

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