Gems in My Glass . . . February 2011
Lane Tanner 2007 Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CA: Glorious fruit and forest floor aromas wow the nose and draw you enticingly into the glass. Beautiful viscosity and nice depth of flavors with layers of dried herbs, bing cherry, wild berry, spice and a touch of soy coating the mouth fully. Well crafted with silky smooth tannins; a rich, creamy and deliciously balanced Pinot Noir.Brassfield Estate Winery 2005 Volcano Ridge Vineyard Eruption: From the High Valley appellation of Lake County this juicy blend of Syrah, Mouvedre, Grenache and Petite Sirah opens with gobs of plummy, dark berry aromas wafting from the glass. Earthy, meaty notes fill the mouth and combine harmoniously with the dense fruit and a nice splash of acidity that keeps it fresh and lively. A good solid backbone and moderate tannins fill out the yummy package.Schloss Gobelsburg 2009 Renner Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal, Austria: Fresh squeezed lemon and floral aromas greet the nose and lead to a mineral packed mouthful of ripe citrus and white pepper flavors that blend into the minerality with ease. Distinctive with good depth, and pleasingly zesty with vibrant acidity that holds firm from start to long lasting, satisfying finish.Gobelsburger 2010 Rose Cistercien, Osterreich, Austria: The nose is reminiscent of the circus peanut candy I enjoyed as a child; but this rose is no adolescent! A serious dry rose with brilliant clarity and plenty of structure, it showcases strawberry and delicate Rainier cherry notes with a very subtle touch of florality. Lifted on the palate with dazzling acidity; refreshing and clean.Belle Glose 2008 Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CA: Aromas of fresh earth and dried cherries are attractively mirrored on the palate with this elegant, complex Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County. Dense and fruity at the core with forest floor, mushroom, spice notes and a touch of oak accenting the delicious cherry and berry fruit. Well integrated tannins, a velvety texture and a finish that goes on forever add to its charm. (Be careful opening the wax wine seal).Standish 2007 Day Ranch Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, CA: Seductive earthy, woodsy aromas draw you into the glass and the brambly entry leads to layers of sweet cherries, licorice, dried herbs, subtle oak and exotic spice richly filling the palate. Well balanced with a good dose of acidity, this Pinot Noir finishes long with spice notes lingering delightfully.Barterra 2008 Pinot Grigio, Amador County, CA: Barterra's handsomely appointed tasting room is in downtown Half Moon Bay, where you can sample their array of wines from a variety of appellations. This fresh, bright Pinot Grigio comes from grapes grown in Amador County. Crisp and pleasingly dry with green apple and citrus at the core, the lively fruit is accented by fresh herbs and a hint of florality. Mazzocco 2008 Briar Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley CA: Aromas of fresh blackberries and spice really grab your attention. This juicy, jammy Zin is packed with gobs of boysenberry, blackberry and wild berry flavors with a sprinkling of vanilla and cocoa powder sumptuously filling the palate. The fruit is generously ripe without being over-the-top ripe. Dense and powerful with a kick of spice on the memorable finish.
