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$39.95
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "Samsara is without question one of the hottest boutique wineries in California’s Central Coast. Proprietor Read More...
Chad Melville splits his time between Samsara and his family’s Melville estate, an approach that seems to work.....The 2009 Syrah Turner is a more immediate wine than the Melville, with more overt fruit and less tannic heft. It shows gorgeous purity in its fruit and fabulous overall balance. In 2009, the Turner Syrah is fleshy, radiant and full of varietal character. Chad Melville used 100% whole clusters here, but kept the new French oak at just 10%. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019."
$21.95
Coming back from a recent trip to Paso Robles, several of us on the wine staff decided to stop by Chad Melville's winery in Lompoc. When he's not managing his family's vineyards in Read More...
Santa Rita Hills, he and his wife make their own wines under the Samsara label. We have become quite fond of his Pinot Noirs and Syrahs over the years as they strike harmony, intensity, and balance, and his Rosé follows suit. We tasted this wine and we simply looked at each other and said "Wow!" Made from Grenache (one of our favorite grapes for Rosé), simply put, this is one of the great domestic Rosés we have in the store! This possesses aromas and flavors of watermelon, strawberries, pomegranate, and fresh cut flowers. With refreshing acidity, and a lengthy finish not typically found in Roses, this wine really takes things to a level rarely seen in the states!
$74.95
Originally, Sanguis owner and winemaker Matthias Pippig's "claim to fame" was that he worked at Sine Qua Non, then broke out to start a similar project as his former employer. Read More...
But now, due to Matthias' hard work and dedication, Sanguis has become a winery with its own identity; known across this great land for phenomenal Syrah/Grenache blends, and some extremely aromatic whites!
Winemaker's Tasting Notes:"The last of the Syrahsfrom 2009 – Bien Nacido, Watch Hill with a bit of Viognier. There are layers of exotic stuff here, which only seem to emerge after considerable time in the dark and mysterious place that is a wine barrel – maybe what’s inside starts to work that much harder to make itself so appealing because it has decided that its time to get the hell out of there and show itself to the world? I don’t know. Like the body of an athlete – where things are not only in correct proportion but you know they are so for a purpose – this wine strikes me as the most succinct of the ‘09s that we produced. As all wines from that vintage, it packs a rather solid ‘punch’ but remains light on its feet – like the rare athlete who make incredible effort look downright easy."
Winemaker's Tasting Notes:"The last of the Syrahsfrom 2009 – Bien Nacido, Watch Hill with a bit of Viognier. There are layers of exotic stuff here, which only seem to emerge after considerable time in the dark and mysterious place that is a wine barrel – maybe what’s inside starts to work that much harder to make itself so appealing because it has decided that its time to get the hell out of there and show itself to the world? I don’t know. Like the body of an athlete – where things are not only in correct proportion but you know they are so for a purpose – this wine strikes me as the most succinct of the ‘09s that we produced. As all wines from that vintage, it packs a rather solid ‘punch’ but remains light on its feet – like the rare athlete who make incredible effort look downright easy."
SANGUIS 2011 PROPRIETARY WHITE
"INCANDESCENT" SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 750mL
Item: #257410
"INCANDESCENT" SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 750mL
Item: #257410
Bottle Size:750ml
$49.95
Originally, Sanguis owner and winemaker Matthias Pippig's "claim to fame" was that he worked at Sine Qua Non, then broke out to start a similar project as his former employer. Read More...
But now, due to Matthias' hard work and dedication, Sanguis has become a winery with its own identity; known across this great land for phenomenal Syrah/Grenache blends, and some extremely aromatic whites!
Winemaker's Notes:The first of our 2011’s to be released and a great representative of the vintage as a whole: the spotlight is squarely on balance, elegance and a certain youthful innocence rather than the power of both its predecessors, 2009 & 2010. Having said that, this blend that tips the scales heavily on the side of Roussann eis, as most of our whites, not a wine for the faint of heart. Roussanne in the Santa YnezValley tends to be on the very voluptuous side of the spectrum, and I’ve started using a percentage of stainless steel barrels for the upbringing in order to preserve and accentuate the pretty youthfulness. ‘Lovely’ is the first word that would pop up every time I smelled the components that make up this blend; the nose may deceive the intensity the wine has on the palate, but it is density (like high thread-count linen) not weight that marks this wine’s character."
Composition: 56% Roussanne cold soaked and fermented on the skins (similar to an orange wine), raised for 6 months in new 500L then transferred to used 225L French oak, and stainless steel barrels; 40% Chardonnay and 4% Viognier raised in new 300L French oak and stainless barrels. Less than 300 cases bottled. Unfined and unfiltered.
Winemaker's Notes:The first of our 2011’s to be released and a great representative of the vintage as a whole: the spotlight is squarely on balance, elegance and a certain youthful innocence rather than the power of both its predecessors, 2009 & 2010. Having said that, this blend that tips the scales heavily on the side of Roussann eis, as most of our whites, not a wine for the faint of heart. Roussanne in the Santa YnezValley tends to be on the very voluptuous side of the spectrum, and I’ve started using a percentage of stainless steel barrels for the upbringing in order to preserve and accentuate the pretty youthfulness. ‘Lovely’ is the first word that would pop up every time I smelled the components that make up this blend; the nose may deceive the intensity the wine has on the palate, but it is density (like high thread-count linen) not weight that marks this wine’s character."
Composition: 56% Roussanne cold soaked and fermented on the skins (similar to an orange wine), raised for 6 months in new 500L then transferred to used 225L French oak, and stainless steel barrels; 40% Chardonnay and 4% Viognier raised in new 300L French oak and stainless barrels. Less than 300 cases bottled. Unfined and unfiltered.
SANS LIEGE 2010 PROPRIETARY RED
"THE OFFERING" SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 750mL
Item: #257740
"THE OFFERING" SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 750mL
Item: #257740
Bottle Size:750ml
$27.95
Owner/winemaker Curt Schalchlin has rapidly made a name for himself within the "Cal-Rhone Community" as one of the best producers of Syrahs, Grenaches, and blends. His Groundwork Read More...
label (see our November newsletter) presents one heck of a value, and while that is no slouch, the Sans Liege wines really showcase his abilities.
"The Offering" is comprised of 48% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 21% Mouvedre and 2% Viognier, aged in new, once-used, and neutral French oak. The grapes came from several notable vineyards in Santa Barbara County, including Larner, Bien Nacido, Les Galets, and Watch Hill. The 2010 Offering is a wine that captures the imagination and challenges expectations, it displays a beautiful purity and depth that is reminiscent of having a summer picnic in an ancient church. Resinous scents of black cherry cola, frankincense, fresh-peeled Clementine orange and vanilla extract lead to a well structured and balanced palate of curried mix-berry cobbler, tumeric, dark chocolate cocoa nibs and black pepper with rocky, persistent tannins.
"The Offering" is comprised of 48% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 21% Mouvedre and 2% Viognier, aged in new, once-used, and neutral French oak. The grapes came from several notable vineyards in Santa Barbara County, including Larner, Bien Nacido, Les Galets, and Watch Hill. The 2010 Offering is a wine that captures the imagination and challenges expectations, it displays a beautiful purity and depth that is reminiscent of having a summer picnic in an ancient church. Resinous scents of black cherry cola, frankincense, fresh-peeled Clementine orange and vanilla extract lead to a well structured and balanced palate of curried mix-berry cobbler, tumeric, dark chocolate cocoa nibs and black pepper with rocky, persistent tannins.
$25.95
Owner/winemaker Curt Schalchlin is the owner and only employee of Sans Liege Wines. After several years learning from and working for some of the Central Coast's most sought-after producers, Read More...
Curt decided to go his own way. He has rapidly made a name for himself within the "Cal-Rhone Community" as one of the hot new producers of Syrahs, Grenaches, Viognier, and blends. His "Groundwork" lineup represents one heck of a value, and the Sans Liege wines really showcase his abilities.
An exceptionally fragrant and beautiful wine comprised of 43% Viognier, 23% Roussanne, and 12% Grenache Blanc, only a portion of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. The 2010 Cotes du Coast is beautifully balanced and shows plenty of verve. The nose brings to mind memories of the best summer weddings; scents of cherry blossom, muddled mint, marzipan, green mango and creme d’ peche lead to a fresh, yet well structured palate of clementine, cream soda, lime, amaretto and flint. Quite easily the finest Cotes du Coast yet.
An exceptionally fragrant and beautiful wine comprised of 43% Viognier, 23% Roussanne, and 12% Grenache Blanc, only a portion of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. The 2010 Cotes du Coast is beautifully balanced and shows plenty of verve. The nose brings to mind memories of the best summer weddings; scents of cherry blossom, muddled mint, marzipan, green mango and creme d’ peche lead to a fresh, yet well structured palate of clementine, cream soda, lime, amaretto and flint. Quite easily the finest Cotes du Coast yet.
$39.95
Owner/winemaker Curt Schalchlin is the owner and only employee of Sans Liege Wines. After several years learning from and working for some of the Central Coast's most sought-after producers, Read More...
Curt decided to go his own way. He has rapidly made a name for himself within the "Cal-Rhone Community" as one of the hot new producers of Syrahs, Grenaches, Viognier, and blends. His "Groundwork" lineup represents one heck of a value, and the Sans Liege wines really showcase his abilities.
The Alta Mesa block of the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard is in many ways the heart of Sans Liege, it is far-off, unknown and alluring. Aged for 22 months in new, once-used, and neutral French oak barrels, this is a dark, penetrating and dancing wine, and is a testament to the deep power the vineyard holds. Scents of violet, soft leather, raspberry coulis and fresh hewn redwood circle around a velveteen palate of dried cherry, Chambord, thyme and seared bread with brooding, black tannins. A wine to be had at the moment of insight into a lifelong riddle.
The Alta Mesa block of the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard is in many ways the heart of Sans Liege, it is far-off, unknown and alluring. Aged for 22 months in new, once-used, and neutral French oak barrels, this is a dark, penetrating and dancing wine, and is a testament to the deep power the vineyard holds. Scents of violet, soft leather, raspberry coulis and fresh hewn redwood circle around a velveteen palate of dried cherry, Chambord, thyme and seared bread with brooding, black tannins. A wine to be had at the moment of insight into a lifelong riddle.
$39.95
Owner/winemaker Curt Schalchlin is the owner and only employee of Sans Liege Wines. After several years learning from and working for some of the Central Coast's most sought-after producers, Read More...
Curt decided to go his own way. He has rapidly made a name for himself within the "Cal-Rhone Community" as one of the hot new producers of Syrahs, Grenaches, Viognier, and blends. His "Groundwork" lineup represents one heck of a value, and the Sans Liege wines really showcase his abilities.
The majority of this Grenache came from vineyards in the an area the Paso Robles locals call the Templeton Gap. This area benefits from the warm summer days, and the cooling winds that scream over the Santa Lucia Mountains and fan over this particular area.
Curt's Tasting Notes: "As the light is stripped softly from the bookcases, heavy curtains and sullen marble floors of this country manor, your host is likely to pour you a nightcap from some inky carafe. You are met with a rich perfume of brandied cherry, Ceylon tea, fresh plum, nutmeg shard and black chocolate. A final cup of fine ground coffee is served. The sunken glass of the windows waxes to obsidian, and a prick begins worming in your mind: this place has magic. The sense comes quickly and carries with it a taste of old growth forest, burnt cinnamon, tiny sweet strawberries, creek fresh mint and fog. Now in comfortable repose in your room, you notice the creep of long shadows. It is a hours till dawn, and the sheets will make a poor shield from the darkness to come."
The majority of this Grenache came from vineyards in the an area the Paso Robles locals call the Templeton Gap. This area benefits from the warm summer days, and the cooling winds that scream over the Santa Lucia Mountains and fan over this particular area.
Curt's Tasting Notes: "As the light is stripped softly from the bookcases, heavy curtains and sullen marble floors of this country manor, your host is likely to pour you a nightcap from some inky carafe. You are met with a rich perfume of brandied cherry, Ceylon tea, fresh plum, nutmeg shard and black chocolate. A final cup of fine ground coffee is served. The sunken glass of the windows waxes to obsidian, and a prick begins worming in your mind: this place has magic. The sense comes quickly and carries with it a taste of old growth forest, burnt cinnamon, tiny sweet strawberries, creek fresh mint and fog. Now in comfortable repose in your room, you notice the creep of long shadows. It is a hours till dawn, and the sheets will make a poor shield from the darkness to come."
$29.95
Owner/winemaker Curt Schalchlin is the owner and only employee of Sans Liege Wines. After several years learning from and working for some of the Central Coast's most sought-after producers, Read More...
Curt decided to go his own way. He has rapidly made a name for himself within the "Cal-Rhone Community" as one of the hot new producers of Syrahs, Grenaches, Viognier, and blends. His "Groundwork" lineup represents one heck of a value, and the Sans Liege wines really showcase his abilities. Fermented in a combination of new and neutral oak barrels, this is a blend of 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Roussanne from Alta Colina Vineyard, and the wine displays much of what makes the Alta Colina vineyard a mesmerizing site.
Curt's Tasting Notes: "Along the craggy coast there stands a lighthouse, seemingly carved from air, on a lush prominence. While the ocean scrapes the shore, seeking to steal the beacon, the land is slowly covered entire with white flowers and sunlight. On those first Spring days, the lighthouse keeper - his spirit renewed after months of bone cold - begins to prepare a luxurious breakfast, the scents of belgian waffle, meyer lemon, warm apple compote and clove mist mingle with the the awakening herbs and flowers: jasmine, young limes, sage and wintergreen. The sea continues to rise and yell, spitting spray onto the rocks and releasing heaps of soft chalk from the earth, while the keeper cautiously munches on brioche."
Curt's Tasting Notes: "Along the craggy coast there stands a lighthouse, seemingly carved from air, on a lush prominence. While the ocean scrapes the shore, seeking to steal the beacon, the land is slowly covered entire with white flowers and sunlight. On those first Spring days, the lighthouse keeper - his spirit renewed after months of bone cold - begins to prepare a luxurious breakfast, the scents of belgian waffle, meyer lemon, warm apple compote and clove mist mingle with the the awakening herbs and flowers: jasmine, young limes, sage and wintergreen. The sea continues to rise and yell, spitting spray onto the rocks and releasing heaps of soft chalk from the earth, while the keeper cautiously munches on brioche."
SANS LIEGE 2011 PROPRIETARY WHITE
"COTES DU COAST" CENTRAL COAST 750mL
Item: #257770
"COTES DU COAST" CENTRAL COAST 750mL
Item: #257770
Bottle Size:750ml
$25.95
Owner/winemaker Curt Schalchlin is the owner and only employee of Sans Liege Wines. After several years learning from and working for some of the Central Coast's most sought-after producers, Read More...
Curt decided to go his own way. He has rapidly made a name for himself within the "Cal-Rhone Community" as one of the hot new producers of Syrahs, Grenaches, Viognier, and blends. His "Groundwork" lineup represents one heck of a value, and the Sans Liege wines really showcase his abilities.
The Cotes du Coast bottling is Curt's take on a white Rhone blend. Comprised of 54% Viognier, 19% Roussanne, 15% Grenache Blanc, and 12% Marsanne, the wine was fermented in both new and used French oak barrels.
Curt's Tasting Notes: "In the woodcuts of old books, you will find images of old liturgy. The people gathered in quiet comradery. Wafts of ancient spice, boughs of cloved oranges and dried thyme hanging neatly overhead. There are remnants of those days still with us, they land softly as moths on a lantern’s glass, subtly altering the color of cast light. These ghosts are around us, continually changing the form of the world from chaos and clamour to the friendly and familiar. They create in us the spice of home: frothed cream, cinnamon flan, orange marmalade, moss covered roofs and poached apples. When these shades arrive the world snaps into focus with the freshness of lime zest, grated fennel and pressed cilantro leaf."
The Cotes du Coast bottling is Curt's take on a white Rhone blend. Comprised of 54% Viognier, 19% Roussanne, 15% Grenache Blanc, and 12% Marsanne, the wine was fermented in both new and used French oak barrels.
Curt's Tasting Notes: "In the woodcuts of old books, you will find images of old liturgy. The people gathered in quiet comradery. Wafts of ancient spice, boughs of cloved oranges and dried thyme hanging neatly overhead. There are remnants of those days still with us, they land softly as moths on a lantern’s glass, subtly altering the color of cast light. These ghosts are around us, continually changing the form of the world from chaos and clamour to the friendly and familiar. They create in us the spice of home: frothed cream, cinnamon flan, orange marmalade, moss covered roofs and poached apples. When these shades arrive the world snaps into focus with the freshness of lime zest, grated fennel and pressed cilantro leaf."
SANS LIEGE NON-VINTAGE PROPRIETARY RED
"TRANSCENDENTALIST" SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 1.5L
Item: #257760
"TRANSCENDENTALIST" SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 1.5L
Item: #257760
Bottle Size:1.5L
$54.95
Owner/winemaker Curt Schalchlin has rapidly made a name for himself within the "Cal-Rhone Community" as one of the best producers of Syrahs, Grenaches, and blends. His Groundwork Read More...
label presents one heck of a value, and while that is no slouch, the Sans Liege wines really showcase his abilities.
The Transcendentalist is comprised of 39% Syrah, 33% Grenache, and 28% Mourvedre from the 2009, 2010, and 2011 vintages. A wine that combines the history of three vintages, this release is broad and uncommonly diverse. Like any valuable history the Transcendentalist employs the past to transfigure our understanding of the present and what will be in the days to come. If the IX/X/XI edition is any indication of what will be, there is much to look forward to. Scents of black cherry, grilled fig, caraway and fresh tilled earth breathe up from a harmonious palate of cherries jubilee, soft tar, wild fennel, croissant and mincemeat with piqued, spicy, cinnamon-laced tannins. Best if poured heartily with the closest of friends over evening-long dinners.
The Transcendentalist is comprised of 39% Syrah, 33% Grenache, and 28% Mourvedre from the 2009, 2010, and 2011 vintages. A wine that combines the history of three vintages, this release is broad and uncommonly diverse. Like any valuable history the Transcendentalist employs the past to transfigure our understanding of the present and what will be in the days to come. If the IX/X/XI edition is any indication of what will be, there is much to look forward to. Scents of black cherry, grilled fig, caraway and fresh tilled earth breathe up from a harmonious palate of cherries jubilee, soft tar, wild fennel, croissant and mincemeat with piqued, spicy, cinnamon-laced tannins. Best if poured heartily with the closest of friends over evening-long dinners.
$36.99
Read More...
This is a deeply refined Syrah, brimming with blueberry, pepper and spice. Lush and with supple tannins, it’s a complex wine to be enjoyed now and over the next three or four years.
$150.00
Manfred's Notes: "The 2010 white wine 'The Monkey' ended up slightly different it its cuvee composition than we had thought. It is made of 52% Roussanne, 23% Viognier, 19% Chardonnay, Read More...
and 5% Marsanne. Only some 20% new French oak was used. The rest old barrels, concrete, and stainless steel. It has a deep, gorgeous golden color, courtesy of Roussanne. The aromas jump from the glass with notes of succulent peaches, poach pear, honey, chamomile, and some butterscotch. It is broak and fleshy on the palate with huge texture, but it has a good nervous system which keeps it lively and fresh. An exotic beauty of the first order.
ROBERT PARKER'S THE WINE ADVOCATE 92-94 POINTS - "The 2010 White Wine No Name Yet emerges from the glass with layers of succulent peaches, apricots, honey, hazelnuts and mint. It is a dazzling, texturally huge, rich wine bursting with exotic fruit from start to finish. All of the aromas and flavors come together seamlessly on the round, sensual finish. This tentative blend is approximately 66% Roussanne, 20% Viognier and 14% Chardonnay, from Eleven Confessions (60%), Cumulus (20%) and Bien Nacido (20%). The wine was aged approximately 30% in concrete eggs, 25% in new French oak, 30% in neutral French oak and 15% in steel. Krankl states that of the wines still in barrel, this is farthest from being finished and that this blend is still tentative and could change. That shouldn’t be too much of an issue, as the wine isn’t scheduled for release until November 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020."
ROBERT PARKER'S THE WINE ADVOCATE 92-94 POINTS - "The 2010 White Wine No Name Yet emerges from the glass with layers of succulent peaches, apricots, honey, hazelnuts and mint. It is a dazzling, texturally huge, rich wine bursting with exotic fruit from start to finish. All of the aromas and flavors come together seamlessly on the round, sensual finish. This tentative blend is approximately 66% Roussanne, 20% Viognier and 14% Chardonnay, from Eleven Confessions (60%), Cumulus (20%) and Bien Nacido (20%). The wine was aged approximately 30% in concrete eggs, 25% in new French oak, 30% in neutral French oak and 15% in steel. Krankl states that of the wines still in barrel, this is farthest from being finished and that this blend is still tentative and could change. That shouldn’t be too much of an issue, as the wine isn’t scheduled for release until November 2012. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020."
$9.99
Just like the flavorful and refreshing Rieslings grown in Germany, these grapes are grown on steep cliffs, next to a river (in this case, the Columbia River). A cooler site Read More...
due to river influence, the soils are composed of fragmented basalt, gravel, silt, and caliche deposited during ice age floods. This site produces fruit with sublime mineral character and the acid balance that winemakers dream of. Aromatic, smooth, vibrant and tasty, this gem shows tangerine, pineapple, wet stone, key lime, clove and nectarine. This Kung Fu Girl kicks some serious butt for the money!
$36.95
The rich aromatics of this wine include ripe black fruit, black currants, cocoa and hints of vanilla. On the palate, blackberry, black plums integrate with back notes of maple syrup, Read More...
creme brulee, and hints of earth, to introduce a very full and voluptuous mouthfeel. With classic Petite Syrah tannin structure, this wine finishes with a long, chewy bitter-chocolate finish
$64.95
STEPHEN TANZER 95
- "Slightly high-toned aromas of black raspberry, smoky minerality, brown spices and Peking smoked duck. Like liquid velvet Read More...
in the mouth, with superconcentrated, marrowy flavors of dark fruits, spices and minerals. A real essence of syrah, with the sheer verve to keep the alcohol in the deep background. Finishes with palate-staining perfume of crushed black cherry and pepper. I was reminded of La Landonne, but this wine will offer much more early appeal."
WINE ADVOCATE 91 - "The 2009 Syrah Angeli is a deeply colored, massive wine imbued with black fruit, olives, grilled herbs and licorice, all of which take shape beautifully in the glass. The opulence and full-throttle personality is backed up by firm tannins that need time to resolve. This is one of the most massive, concentrated Syrahs I tasted, yet the wine’s balance is impeccable. The sweet, perfumed finish contributes additional layers of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."
WINE ADVOCATE 91 - "The 2009 Syrah Angeli is a deeply colored, massive wine imbued with black fruit, olives, grilled herbs and licorice, all of which take shape beautifully in the glass. The opulence and full-throttle personality is backed up by firm tannins that need time to resolve. This is one of the most massive, concentrated Syrahs I tasted, yet the wine’s balance is impeccable. The sweet, perfumed finish contributes additional layers of complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."
$29.95
The Stolpman winery has one of the most prized vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. Their warm days, cool nights and limestone-rich soils make this property similar to parts of France'Read More...
s Rhone Valley. Their dedication to high-quality fruit has been noticed and the fruit utilized by some of the best wineries in California, such as Sine Qua Non, Ojai, Jaffurs and Andrew Murray. The "Originals" Syrah comes from the first Syrah vines planted in their Ballard Canyon Vineyard and the 2010 Syrah was so remarkable, winemaker Sashi Moorman decided to keep it bottle it on its own.
ROBERT PARKER'S THE WINE ADVOCATE 90 POINTS - "Stolpman is one of the larger estates in the Santa Ynez Valley. The property spans 220 total acres, 150 of which are under vine. This is a solid set of wines, with a number of highlights. At the same time, I feel an identifiable house style has yet to emerge. This is most evident in the Syrahs, which are all over the map in terms of their personalities. For example, use of stem inclusion is driven by the qualities of each individual site, rather than by an overarching philosophy. While that sounds great in theory, it can lead to wines that are stylistically very different from each other. Still, the best Stolpman wines are compelling. In 2010, the heat spikes that were so challenging for Pinot Noir were less of an issue for Syrah, as the grapes were much less further along in their development, and the skins were thus more resistant to the conditions. Winemaker Sashi Moorman reports that some sorting was necessary to remove sunburned fruit, but that dehydration was not a major issue. Moorman also notes that as the vines have gotten older, the berries are smaller and therefore the grapes are sturdier, which requires less irrigation, a phenomena he first noted when visiting Saxum’s James Berry Vineyard just before harvest a few years back. Vintage 2011 was much less kind here. Frost lowered yields by as much as 40%, but that is a story for next year.
"The 2010 Syrah Originals boasts gorgeous mid-palate pliancy in its expressive varietal fruit. This is another sleek, pretty wine. The 2010 impresses for its length and overall poise. The Original is made from Syrah that was grafted onto existing Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc rootstocks. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020."
ROBERT PARKER'S THE WINE ADVOCATE 90 POINTS - "Stolpman is one of the larger estates in the Santa Ynez Valley. The property spans 220 total acres, 150 of which are under vine. This is a solid set of wines, with a number of highlights. At the same time, I feel an identifiable house style has yet to emerge. This is most evident in the Syrahs, which are all over the map in terms of their personalities. For example, use of stem inclusion is driven by the qualities of each individual site, rather than by an overarching philosophy. While that sounds great in theory, it can lead to wines that are stylistically very different from each other. Still, the best Stolpman wines are compelling. In 2010, the heat spikes that were so challenging for Pinot Noir were less of an issue for Syrah, as the grapes were much less further along in their development, and the skins were thus more resistant to the conditions. Winemaker Sashi Moorman reports that some sorting was necessary to remove sunburned fruit, but that dehydration was not a major issue. Moorman also notes that as the vines have gotten older, the berries are smaller and therefore the grapes are sturdier, which requires less irrigation, a phenomena he first noted when visiting Saxum’s James Berry Vineyard just before harvest a few years back. Vintage 2011 was much less kind here. Frost lowered yields by as much as 40%, but that is a story for next year.
"The 2010 Syrah Originals boasts gorgeous mid-palate pliancy in its expressive varietal fruit. This is another sleek, pretty wine. The 2010 impresses for its length and overall poise. The Original is made from Syrah that was grafted onto existing Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc rootstocks. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020."
$57.95
Switchback Ridge Wines are sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga. The property has been in the Peterson family since 1914 and encompasses nearly 100 acres Read More...
located at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. For over 75 years the property was primarily maintained as a farm and plum orchard, with vines intermingled amongst the trees. In 1990, the orchards were replanted to vineyard, where there are currently 18 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah vines, in addition to a three acre 50+ year old Petite Sirah block that John Peterson helped plant as a child.
The wines are made by the ever-talented Bob Foley, who makes his own wines under the winery name Robert Foley, as well as the wines at Hourglass. He also made the wines at Pride Mountain for 15 years.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes: "Glass staining material, inky dark in color with ripe berry pie and briar aromas. The mid palate is very mouth-coating and the wine resolves with surprisingly gentle, soft tannins in the finish."
The wines are made by the ever-talented Bob Foley, who makes his own wines under the winery name Robert Foley, as well as the wines at Hourglass. He also made the wines at Pride Mountain for 15 years.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes: "Glass staining material, inky dark in color with ripe berry pie and briar aromas. The mid palate is very mouth-coating and the wine resolves with surprisingly gentle, soft tannins in the finish."
TABLAS CREEK 2010 PROPRIETARY WHITE
"ESPRIT DE BEAUCASTEL BLANC" PASO ROBLES 750mL
Item: #275640
"ESPRIT DE BEAUCASTEL BLANC" PASO ROBLES 750mL
Item: #275640
Bottle Size:750ml
WA:91
WA:91
$33.99
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 91 POINTS - "As always, my tasting at Tablas Creek was a bit of a marathon session covering several dozen wines, Read More...
but that is just a testament to a world-class winery that excels at so many things. This year I tasted with proprietor Jason Haas, winemaker Ryan Hebert and assistant winemaker Chelsea Magnusson. Haas describes 2011 as a difficult year. A devastating spring frost reduced yields by as much as 40% in some places. Vintage 2010 was characterized by a long growing season, but without the huge heat spikes that were seen elsewhere. It was also much more plentiful, which gave the winery the quality and ability to bottle its four main red Rhone varieties separately.
"The 2010 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc is bright, focused and beautifully articulated. The higher percentage of Grenache Blanc in this vintage gives the wine lovely lift, energy and focus. White flowers, pears and crushed rocks are layered into the finish. This is a great showing from Tablas Creek’s flagship white. In 2010, the blend is 60% Roussanne, 35% Grenache Blanc and 5% Picpoul Blanc. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016."
"The 2010 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc is bright, focused and beautifully articulated. The higher percentage of Grenache Blanc in this vintage gives the wine lovely lift, energy and focus. White flowers, pears and crushed rocks are layered into the finish. This is a great showing from Tablas Creek’s flagship white. In 2010, the blend is 60% Roussanne, 35% Grenache Blanc and 5% Picpoul Blanc. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016."
TABLAS CREEK 2010 PROPRIETARY RED
"ESPRIT DE BEAUCASTEL ROUGE" PASO ROBLES 750mL
Item: #268680
"ESPRIT DE BEAUCASTEL ROUGE" PASO ROBLES 750mL
Item: #268680
Bottle Size:750ML
WA:93-95
WA:93-95
$49.99
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93-95 POINTS -
"As always, my tasting at Tablas Creek was a bit of a marathon session covering several dozen wines, Read More...
but that is just a testament to a world-class winery that excels at so many things. This year I tasted with proprietor Jason Haas, winemaker Ryan Hebert and assistant winemaker Chelsea Magnusson. Haas describes 2011 as a difficult year. A devastating spring frost reduced yields by as much as 40% in some places. Vintage 2010 was characterized by a long growing season, but without the huge heat spikes that were seen elsewhere. It was also much more plentiful, which gave the winery the quality and ability to bottle its four main red Rhone varieties separately.
"In this vintage, the 2010 Esprit de Beaucastel is decidedly huge. An exciting array of dark red fruit, black cherries, incense and tar come together beautifully. At first large-scaled and sweeping in personality, the wine finds more refined registers on the finish, where floral notes add a measure of lift and finesse. Today, the 2010 is a baby, though. The blend is 45% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah and 4% Counoise. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025."
"In this vintage, the 2010 Esprit de Beaucastel is decidedly huge. An exciting array of dark red fruit, black cherries, incense and tar come together beautifully. At first large-scaled and sweeping in personality, the wine finds more refined registers on the finish, where floral notes add a measure of lift and finesse. Today, the 2010 is a baby, though. The blend is 45% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 21% Syrah and 4% Counoise. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025."
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