I don’t know. I just thought I’d give it a go…
Tag: wine tasting
Clos Pegase 2015 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Chardonnay
I had such a great experience with the Clos Pegase Sauvignon Blanc, I was quite excited to move on to their Chardonnay. Interestingly, these two very different grapes come from the same vineyard — Mitsuko’s Vineyard in the cool(ish) climate of the Los Carneros appellation. The sprawling 365 acre vineyard boasts a wide array of soil types and elevations that creates a broad range of microclimates suited for different varietals.While the portion planted to Sauvignon Blanc is all about the Bordeaux-like soil, the portion planted to Chardonnay (and Pinot Noir) is all about those chilly breezes wafting off of the San Pablo Bay.
Steele Wines 2014 Writer’s Block Cabernet Franc
I came across Steele Wines during my last tour of Lake County Wine Country. A pleasant experience all around: great staff, a large tasting menu, and — of course — enjoyable wines. But the one that struck me the most — the bottle I came home with — was the 2014 Writer’s Block Cabernet Franc. Sourced from Shannon Ridge Vineyards in the High Valley area of Lake County, the wine shows the true expression of everything one knows and loves about the Cab Franc grape (assuming, you’re like me and love the grape). But what’s more is the story that goes along with it…
Mounts Family Winery 2014 Grenache
On my most recent trip to Sonoma, I popped by the highly recommended Mounts Winery. A tiny little shack hidden in the hills of Dry Creek, this is the kind of winemaker one-on-one experience I crave every time I visit a winery. Admittedly, his wife Lana is usually behind the tasting table, but I came on a day when winemaker and third-generation vineyard owner, David Mounts, was able to host my small little group through a tasting of current releases himself.
Rutherford Ranch 2015 Reserve Chardonnay
Carneros, known predominantly for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production, bridges the Sonoma-Napa County border. It’s the Napa side that I have a hard time with. With some of the region’s coolest climates the Pinot Noir here seems to be harsher, tighter, spicier — whereas I tend to favor my full-bodied, fruit-forward Russian River Pinots. But when it comes to Chardonnay, I like a bit more life, intrigue, rusticity, flavor. That same Carneros cooling effect gives the Chardonnays from the region just that: a marked acidity, minerality, and earthiness that shines right through — from stem to stemware.
