Tag: California

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2012 Touriga by Bumgarner

Tonight’s occasion: 2012 Touriga by Bumgarner, El Dorado, California.

In my opinion one of the most understated winemakers in this region. I have followed this humble winemaker’s work for well over a decade now and have always been struck by the level of quality of his wines. I last reviewed this wine just a little over a year ago and my notes then are still spot on. This region is not known for Touriga and that is perhaps what makes this one-time vintage special.

Massive heavy nose out of the bottle. Starts off with some cherry but opens up to plum with a play between oaky licorice and heavy tobacco when swirled vigorously. I feel this wine is shining brightest right now. I expected it to have lost some of its character by now but I must say it is experiencing a very long peak. It is very much alive and evolving as I taste right now. A real treat and somewhat bittersweet moment as I am now down to what may be the last bottle in existence.

Brian Bumgarner, you already know this but I really love your life’s work and look forward to many more amazing vintages. Cheers my friend! 😁🍷🍷🍷

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2016 Pinot Noir (Cork Dancer) by Hitching Post

Tonight’s occasion: 2016 Pinot Noir (Cork Dancer) by Hitching Post , Santa Barbara Country, Califronia. Today we take a look at an understated everyday Pinot for the everyday wine enthusiast. This wine presents great all around value. If your are looking for a great EDC (Every Day Consumption) wine, I recommend adding this to your cellar. Deep ruby color. Crisp nose with notes of berry, subtle stone fruits and caramel stand out most. Body shows good balance with a mildly acidic attack followed by creamy tannins in the form of plums and dark cherries. Transition to finish is seamless, capped by mild, dry tannic grip and a hint of spice. At 12.5% ABV it is a very mellow laid back experience. You can open a bottle by yourself and work your way through it over the course of your evening with minimal fuss. All this conspires to make this a very approachable and enjoyable wine. This is most definitely a pleaser. Nicely done guys! Explore more Hitching Post wines on WineSnob.
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2016 Pinot Noir (Drum Canyon) by Dierberg * StarLane

Tonight’s occasion: 2016 Pinot Noir (Drum Canyon) by Dierberg * StarLane Deep ruby red color. Nose is restrained, well mannered, slightly warm, with notes of oak, berries, hint of sweet cherry all conspiring to create a very subtle red vines licorice. Terroir is also represented in the form of wet dusty leather. It maintains a classy posture overall. Interesting. Body is representative. A very mild restrained acidic attack that is quickly accompanied by buttery smooth tannins. Very subtle oak and blackberry emerge towards the back to create a full mouth feel. A very faint black currant lends good structure and balance as it transitions to a brief finish capped by a hint of spice. I reviewed the Dierberg Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir a while back and was absolutely enamored with it. One of my top California Pinot Noirs. Looking back at my notes I can some similarities and some differences. First this one is more medium bodied, slightly dryer more structured body. Where they resemble is the result of the winemakers attention to detail, commitment to excellence and adherence to core principles. The result is a world class California Pinot. I highly recommend this Pinot, particularly for the advanced palate, especially side-by-side with the Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir for a good perspective on this winemaker and his craft. Well done folks! Read more about my first visit to Dierberg * StarLane here. Explore more Dierberg Star Lane on WineSnob.
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2017 Pinot Noir (Black Pine) by Roger Roessler Wines

Tonight’s occasion: 2017 Pinot Noir (Black Pine) by Roger Roessler Wines, Sonoma, California.

Ahhhh. Just right. Beautiful aromatic nose with berries (my little boy says cranberries), a leather reminiscent of wet sandy forrest floor, black licorice and cedarwood notes.

Body shows a tight balance. Buttery tannins go hand-in-hand with mild acid. Subtle oak, dry fruit accompanies a fairly neutral terroir expression creating a lush mouth feel. A transition to finish with minimal fanfare capped with mild spice and subtle tannic grip reminds you that this typical Roessler Pinot, while beautiful right now, has a bit more in store for you if you are willing to be patient.

Spoil your palate. Stop by the tasting room or order any one of their monthly case deals. Explore artisan crafted Pinot from up and down the pacific coast. He’s done all the homework for you to enjoy. Well done Roger and Company!

Explore more Roger Roessler Wines on WineSnob.

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2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (Astral) by Dierberg Star Lane

Tonight’s occasion: 2011 Astral (Cabernet Sauvignon) by Dierberg * Star Lane, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara. As expected, dark rich opaque color. This is mostly Cab and Cab Franc. Out of the bottle nose is slightly restrained but big and heavy with lots of plum and a touch of dark sweet cherry up front. In the back, anise lingers over a fairly neutral terroir and is accompanied by black licorice as it opens up. There is good separation. This had to have been massive, if not barely approachable 5 years ago. Unlike your quintessential big jammy California Cab, the body shows good balance front to back. Moderate acid goes hand-in-hand with dry, restrained, fine grained tannins and black currants. Plum and herbs carry over from the nose providing a brief diversion in an otherwise highly structured body. Transition to finish is brief, culminating in a firm and spicy tannic grip that leaves the palate parched and tingling. This is by all accounts a solid, well built, delineated, wine for the advanced palate. It will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of them. At almost 10 years old, it is just now becoming approachable and should be a magnificent work of art in 5-10 years time. It is built for the long haul, is a fine example of the winemaker’s attention to detail and strict adherence to core principles. It presents a zero compromise view of what is possible from an already storied region. I highly recommend this for those seeking solid example of what a California Cabernet can be. It presents a solid reference point for anyone looking for some perspective on the venerable California Cab. Well done Dierberg * Star Lane!!! Almost two years ago while exploring for the first time, the Santa Barbara county region of the Central coast (read about it here: Dierberg, Santa Barbara) Dierberg came highly recommended by my all-time favorites and very savvy vintner, Roger Roessler. It did not disappoint. I have since gradually been exploring their selection of outstanding quality wines and very much look forward to following their works moving forward. Several racks will remain dedicated to their wines in my cellar. You can also view all their wines I have reviewed and highly recommend here or by using the search.

Tech Sheet

2011 Astral by Dierberg Star Lane
From Winemaker: 2011 SLAST Tech Sheet.pdf
Cellar Life: 12-15 years
Composition: Cabernet Franc 76%, Cabernet Franc 22%, Syrah 2%
Aging: 20 months French oak, new 80%
Analysis: Alcohol, 13.7%
Harvested/Bottled: Oct-Nov 2011 / Aug 2013
Total Production: Approximately 400 cases
Read more about my first visit to Dierberg * StarLane here. Explore more Dierberg Star Lane on WineSnob.
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2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) by Martin Ray

Tonight’s occasion: 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) by Martin Ray. Dark inky color. Out of the bottle, big warm plum nose permeates the surrounding area. Closer inspection reveals notes of licorice, dark cherry and a touch of marshmallows. Swirl vigorously to unlock hints of cedar as licorice turns black. Body shows precise balance and crisp structure from attack to finish. Other than the dark plum, little other fruit carries over. It is dry overall. Plums quickly morph into crisp dry tannins, providing good mouth feel through a slightly creamy transition. Finish is swift, clean, ending in a interesting play between buttery and dry tannic grip. A moderate but firm spicy heat takes over the finish, warming the chest. This is my first wine from Martin Ray and I must say I am impressed. It comes across as precise, measured, clean, with a strict adherence to core principles. It sparks a curiosity to explore more of their signature wines. Amongst its peers, it presents good value. Nicely done Martin Ray! Explore more Martin Ray wines on WineSnob.
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2008 Pinot Noir (Brosseau) by Roger Roessler

Tonight’s occasion: 2008 Pinot Noir (Brosseau – Chalone, Salinas Valley) by Roger Roessler of Roger Roessler Wines.

This is my last bottle of this signature series by one of my all-time favorite winemakers. A special and bittersweet occasion. This has always been one of my favorite series from Roessler. His Pinot are amazing, but after almost 12 years this one is just right.

Dark rich intense color. Gentle brooding nose with lots of plum and earthy sandy mineral leather. Body shows a good slightly acidic balance and smooth texture out of the bottle. A tart plum and mineral terroir conspire to simulate a black currant on the back. Gentle but very present tannins quickly turn creamy, giving it a full mouth feel. A seamless transition to a smooth finish culminates in a brief punch of spice before fading away into the sunset. Pairing with a spicy Asian chicken dish amplifies the spice punch. A Tuscan style pizza brings out unexpected truffle like mushrooms in the terroir.

This is precisely why I maintain a cellar. 148 cases produced. Capturing limited production art like this at its peak expression is priceless.

Explore more Roger Roessler Wines on WineSnob.

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2016 Cabernet Sauvignon by Prolific Vines

Tonight’s occasion: 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon by Prolific Vines Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains.

Rich inky color. Dark berries fill the air as soon as you uncork it. Closer inspection reveals a slightly warm nose with more plum and caramel and a hint of red vines licorice. A quick swirl unlocks a smoky, sandy, loam, earthy leather undertone.

Body is extremely composed, especially for a Cabernet Sauvignon of this age. The cooler climate shines here. Attack is mildly acidic but quickly accompanied by big, beautiful, buttery tannins, giving it a full mouth feel. Plum, blueberries and dark cherries dominate the fruit notes, bringing a great overall harmony. Transition to finish is seamless, adding subtle black currant and culminating in a dry tannic grip along with a healthy dose of lingering spice.

This wine is a fine example of a big, bold, layered California Cab. It does one better however. At 13.6% ABV it is very approachable. It does not come with the drama and baggage of most California Cabs today which hover upwards of 14.5-15% ABV. This is an honest, quality, artisan, wine. You won’t find wine like this anywhere else but off the beaten path. It is as I like to call it, Art in a Bottle. Only 109 cases produced. This is the kind of wine I treasure the most.

This is California Wine!

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2016 Pinot Noir (Babcock Vineyard) by Pali Wine Co

Tonight’s occasion: 2016 Pinot Noir (Babcock Vineyard) by Pali Wine Co, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast. Intense ruby color. Bright nose with plenty of cherry, hint of sweet cherry and smooth almost butterscotch caramel. Swirl vigorously to unlock even more caramel. A slight wet sand mineral undertone lingers in the back. This is a classic central coast Pinot Noir. A fine example at that. Body is very restrained. Medium to light with good mild acid on the attack, moderate buttery tannins create a clean, rounded mouth feel. Good separation keeps your attention without straying too far off balance. A tart blackberry slowly take over the transition to a slightly dry and spicy finish. This is a one-time limited production using grapes from a coveted Vineyard. Exactly the kind of wine I love exploring. What I like about this winemaker most is their wines are true and representative of their origins. No two are the same. They present a great opportunity to explore varied regions and styles of Pinot. I look forward to exploring more of their wines. Well done Aaron and all of the lively crew at Pali Wine Co! 🍷😁👌🏽 Explore more Pali Wine Company on WineSnob.
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2013 Cabernet Sauvignon by MV Vineyards

Tonight’s occasion: 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Reserve) by MV (Miller Vineyards), Fair Play, California.

Last year our search for Winemaker Of The Year took us on an unexpected journey. We toured various California wine country but none left a an indelible mark like the Sierra Foothills. We were on the road almost every weekend of the year and tasting several times a week. We encountered so many amazing winemakers toiling away at their life’s passion. About half a dozen emerged as hands down in the class of their own, not just on a local or California stage but on a world stage. MV Vineyards was perhaps the most notable in this respect.

Tonight we look at a Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a distillation of what a big California Cab is all about. A true artisan work of art by a craftsman with absolutely no compromise and every possible attention to detail. Batches are so small you will never find this masterpiece anywhere else but in the little cottage at the end of the road in Fair Play.

Dark inky color. Big, warm, intense nose with caramel and marshmallows which quickly dissipate once it opens up. Subtle plum, blackberries, bramble bush and wild herbs take center stage. Terroir is very restrained an leans on the mineral sandstone side of the spectrum.

Body is measured. Well balanced from front to back. A measured dose of blackberries and plum carry over while retaining its dry overall posture. Herbs and wild bush remain in the back while bold well structured fine grained tannins take over the transition to a firm but restrained finish, capped with a healthy dose of spice. Simply amazing!

You cannot speak of California Wines and not have immersed yourself in art like this. This is the frontier, the leading edge of what made California wines what they are today. You will never find a corporate mass production wine that comes even close to this. This, like the others we have reviewed on here are worth a trip to California and the Sierra Foothills. Well done Mr. & Mrs. Miller!