Saint Tryphon Chardonnay 2015
Heavily laden in fruit, Saint Typhon’s 2015 Santa Barbara Chardonnay explodes with aromas of mango, yellow peach, pineapple, vanilla, acacia blossom, and spice—in some ways, the expression is reminiscent of a lightly styled Sauternes. It’s concentrated, on both the nose and in the mouth, with lush and voluminous fruit that drenches the palate. As with […]
Venteux Tache le Verre Alisos Canyon 2016
High praise for Venteux Vineyard’s Tache le Verre. Crafted from 100% organically farmed Syrah from the renowned Alisos Canyon region of Santa Barbara, the 2016 is substantive and baritone in expression. Stratified layers of blackberries, black cherries, incense, tar, earth, smoky Pu-er tea, and violets compose the nose—a complex sensory arc that leads into a […]
J Vineyards Pinot Noir Monterey, Sonoma, & Santa Barbara Counties 2015
J Vineyards & Winery Pinot Noir is a blend of Pinot Noir from three AVAs: Monterey County, Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County. It’s a big, voluptuous wine, not quite opaque and neatly inlaid with black cherry, roasted strawberry, warm brown spices, and decaying rose petal. Silky on entry, with well-integrated tannins—the acidity hits at […]
Jonata La Tierra De Jonata Santa Ynez Valley Red 2008
The 2008 Jonata La Tierra is stylistically consistent with the 2007 I reviewed last fall. A small-lot blend of 94% Sangiovese and 6% syrah, the nose is sweet and fruit-laden. Black cherries and fleshy plums intertwine layers of vanilla and cola. On the palate, fine tannins and a medium level of acidity provide backbone to […]
Lieu Dit Melon de Bourgogne Melón 2014
9.3 Points? I can see you scratching your heads. “Is it really as good as that?” Yes, it is. If I’d have tasted this blind I would have easily mistaken it for a Muscadet or perhaps a well-crafted Pinot Blanc. Lively and charming, the Lieu Dit Melon hails from vines planted in the 1970s in […]
Sandhi Santa Rita Hills Rinconada Pinot Noir 2012
Last week, I wrote about the Sandhi Sandford & Benedict Chardonnay 2010, which was, admittedly, a bit of a let down. So glad to have the opportunity to taste the Santa Rita Hills Rinconada Pinot Noir at Pebble Beach Food & Wine yesterday, because it’s an extraordinarily pretty wine. Intoxicating aromas of rose petals, sun-warmed […]
Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Ten 2005
The 2005 Ten Grand Cru is leading the pack of the three Sea Smoke wines we tasted, as it should, Ten is the flagship label and is comprised of ten Pinot Noir clones. Of all three, it’s held up the best, and has neatly concealed it’s 14.9% ABV in layers of toast and brooding concentration. […]
Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing 2005
The 2005 Southing is faring better than the Botella, still, I think I would have given it higher marks had I have consumed it at a much younger age. Southing has more concentration than its sibling, the weight of this Pinot strikes a better balance for with its hefty 14.7% ABV. A pronounced nose of […]
Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Botella 2005
We tasted a trio of Sea Smoke wines last night, and agreed that they are nearing the ends of their lives, or rather drinking windows. The fruit on all three seemed subdued, whereas less favorable aspects of the wine, especially burning levels alcohol on the Botella 2005 dominates the landscape of the palate. I know […]