Family Winemakers 2011 SF

This was my first time at Family Winemakers and I will be back. This event is smaller than ZAP and is contained to only one hall. The crowds were also much smaller. I was surprised that Sundays event did not have as large of a showing from the general public.

Overall I was impressed with the quality of many wines. Unfortunately I did not take any notes so here are a few from memory. Enjoy.

• 2008 Paloma Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District (8/22/2011)
  This is a return to some of the Palomas from the past. A nice mix between the newer softer style and the older fuller wines of the 90's. Solid fruit core with nice polished sweet tannins and that classic chocolate finish. One thing about the Spring Mountain AVA is that the classic Napa Valley vintages do not always translate to good vintages on the hill and likewise lesser vintages in the valley can often be great vintages on the hill. It's all about the fog. When does it burn off? Does it stop on the hill and leave the hill fogged in and the valley sunny? Is it low hanging fog that socks in the valley and leaves the hill sunny? I need to stock up before this is gone. Great job! (93 pts.)
• 2009 Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Blanc - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (8/22/2011)
  The best of the Tablas Creek white wines at Family Winemakers this year. Oily and dry. Lemon drops, some tropical fruits and almonds. (89 pts.)
• 2010 Tablas Creek Vermentino - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (8/22/2011)
  I liked this. Crisp clean fruit with some lemon and sweet tart apples. Clean and crisp. A good summer party wine. (88 pts.)
• 2006 Corté Riva Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley (8/22/2011)
  This was the best of thier line up. Solid plum fruit core with a polished medium finish. People at the table seemed to enjoy the cab franc more but I was not as impressed. This and the Paloma were my favorite Merlots of the day. (92 pts.)
• 2007 Corté Riva Cabernet Franc - USA, California, North Coast, Napa / Sonoma (8/22/2011)
  Tight and tart black fruit with some significant tannins. This is a big cab franc but it seemed a little all over the map for me. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Corté Riva Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley (8/22/2011)
  Tart and tight plum and blackberry fruit with some cassis and pencil lead thrown in. This was not my favorite at the table. (88 pts.)
• 2008 Calera Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Mount Harlan (8/22/2011)
  Black cherry and thyme with a soft smooth medium finish. Enjoyed (91 pts.)
• 2008 Calera Pinot Noir Mills Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Mount Harlan (8/22/2011)
  I agree with Richard on all the Calera Pinots at Family Winemakers. This and Jensen were my favorites. The whole line up showed well. (91 pts.)
• 2007 Merryvale Profile - USA, California, Napa Valley (8/22/2011)
  I was unimpressed with this wine. Soft blackberry and plum fruits with some green tannins in the background. (88 pts.)