Wines
5 Items Found
- Qupe Chardonnay Bien Nacido Y Block 2011 Product #26180 (In Stock)
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While Qupe is best known for their Rhone varietals (red and white), they turn out a pretty fine Chardonnay from the “Y Block” of the famous Bien Nacido vineyard. The ripe fruit is barrel fermented (25% new), but it’s the acidity and freshness that really grabs you. Plenty of crisp apple and asian pear fruit framed by juicy citrus acid and a touch of leesy creaminess. A crowd-pleaser and very strong value.
- Fiddlehead Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Happy Canyon 2010 Product #27025 (In Stock)
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As Kathy Joseph likes to say, it’s easy to make aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. Just ferment it cool in all tank and toss in a few enzymes and, poof, you’ve got explosive scents of grass, grapefruit, and more. Getting great texture and length in Sauvignon Blanc requires a LOT more work in both vineyard and winery.
Here, perfectly ripe grapes from Happy Canyon in the warm Santa Ynez Valley come to the winery cool and then ferment in one-third each stainless steel (for freshness), used oak (for texture) and new oak (for smoky accents and body). The result is a delicious wine with California Sauvignon Blanc body and fruit but a Pouilly Fume-like note of smoke and mineral. Delicious all by itself but fascinating with food, where it shows bright and crisp with rich dishes and rich and round with brighter, lighter, foods. As fine a bottle of California Sauvignon Blanc as I know."Sexy aromas of lemon curd, poached pear and vanilla, with hints of oak spice and honey adding complexity. Fleshy and smooth in texture but surprisingly dry, with powerful orchard fruit and melon flavors underscored by juicy acidity. Behaves like a blend of white Bordeaux and Pouilly-Fume, finishing with lipsmacking acidity and very good length. This wine could pair up with rich or light foods, or can be enjoyed on its own."International Wine Cellar 91 points
- Ampelos Cellars Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills 2009 Product #26766 (In Stock)
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These guys are best known as a vineyard source for other top Sta. Rita Hills winemakers (e.g. Greg Brewer), but they make a tiny amount of wine on their own as well. This is a terrific example with more structure and focus than you often find in such ripe, Sta. Rita Hills Pinot. Just 600 cases made, though, so don't wait to get yours!
"Bright ruby-red. Fresh red berries and flowers on the highly fragrant nose. Spicy and focused, with good depth and energy to its redcurrant and cherry-cola flavors. A smoky note comes up with air and carries through a long, supple, appealingly sweet finish. This pinot is delicious right now."International Wine Cellar 90 points
- Beckmen Estate Syrah Santa Ynez 2009 Product #25682 (In Stock)
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"This is a fabulous set of wines from Beckmen Vineyards. I was especially impressed with the reds. The estate works almost exclusively with biodynamically farmed fruit, uses indigenous yeasts and (with one exception) has a very refined approach to cooperage. The 2009 Syrah Estate possesses dazzling purity and length in a cool, inward style that stands a bit apart from some of the more opulent wines in this lineup. There is a level of delineation in the aromas and flavors here that is quite striking. A vein of minerality frames the inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019."Wine Advocate 91 points
"Distinctive for its restraint, with spicy, peppery notes on a trim body. The dried berry flavors are ripe yet not overdone, ending with a long, tight, focused finish. Best from 2012 through 2022. 1,800 cases made."Wine Spectator 90 points
- Melville Syrah Estate Verna's Sta. Rita Hills 2010 Product #26389 (In Stock)
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Another terrific vintage for one of the Central Coast's top Syrah wines.
"Longtime winemaker Greg Brewer has done a great job with these new releases. A delicate, finely knit fabric of aromas and flavors floats on the palate in the 2010 Syrah Estate Verna-s. Mint, plums and sweet herbs all meld together in this gracious, impeccable Syrah. The intensely perfumed, feminine finish has a sweet, almost-Pinot like register from the use of 50% whole clusters. Amazingly, in 2010 the harvest stretched into December 1. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018."Wine Advocate 90 points
