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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 90.5 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 85 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by R2-D2 on 6/14/2021 & rated 88 points: Anderson's Conn Valley Library Tasting (Temecula, CA): Reticent aromas, mostly built around red pepper, cherry, red currants, and leather. For me, the alcohol and acidity are a bit too prevalent at this point on the palate and pulls down the back of the palate, especially the spicy finish. Cabernet Franc heavy, showing lots of vegetal, red pepper, and jalapeno character. A good 5-10 years past its best, but not at all unpleasant. Needs food. (1266 views) | | | Tasted by chuckos77 on 1/14/2021 & rated 92 points: Wow, this wine is in a nice place right now. Opened and slow oxidation over two hours. Wine in glass over half hour and opened nicely. Soft, but with beautiful notes. Slight bricking and dong see any reason to hold off. Drink now. Will try second bottle in next week or so. (1235 views) | | | Tasted by dsimmons on 11/25/2020 & rated 89 points: This wine was good wit beef stroganoff but has never lived up to expectations. A bit too much acidity for my tastes. (1392 views) | | | Tasted by DesMarteau on 3/25/2020: A bit tart and out of balance....put 1/2 bottle in .375ml vacuum pumped in fridge. will see if it changes/improves. (1444 views) | | | Tasted by dsimmons on 5/17/2016 & rated 87 points: This wine was good but the acidity was a bit too high. (3692 views) | | | Tasted by snarfglk on 9/13/2015 & rated 90 points: A damn fine example of what CA can do to mimic France. A thoroughly enjoyable bottle. (3713 views) | | | Tasted by Burgundy Al on 7/25/2015 & rated 91 points: Black plum, dark chocolate, espresso with brown spice. Very charming and balanced with moderate length. Good now. (4451 views) | | | Tasted by RussK on 7/11/2015 & rated 92 points: Russk WSW at Las Pampa's P&L Rt Bank Bx Tasting. A very tasty imposter that no one guessed was not a Bx. 92- (3826 views) | | | Tasted by snarfglk on 7/5/2015 & rated 90 points: This bottle came out with guns blazing after PNP, then got "stupid" or flat toward the end of the first day. Day 2 brought fabulous integration and the CF presence and a beautiful wine to enjoy. (3670 views) | | | Tasted by La Cave d'Argent on 4/24/2015 & rated 92 points: This well-cellared bottle was presented as a "ringer" at a Right Bank Bordeaux tasting. With a youthful deep ruby/red color, this blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot has changed very little since last being tasted 7/9/13. The nose flaunts intense aromas of red currants, Asian spices, dried herbs and graphite, while the medium-bodied palate shows similar flavors. Freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (13.7%) and with silky tannins, it stays solid in the middle and concludes with a medium-to-long, supple finish. This proved to be a credible Right Bank knock-off with the added benefit of beautiful Napa fruit. Properly cellared bottles should last longer than I previously estimated. Drink now-2020. (3012 views) | | | Tasted by 1961Vintage on 12/27/2014 & rated 93 points: Drinking exceptionally well right now. I know that Mac was smiling from above as we were enjoying his work. (2697 views) | | | Tasted by BklynNeophyte on 8/26/2013 & rated 90 points: Even split with the havens right bank, which I liked better (4315 views) | | | Tasted by La Cave d'Argent on 7/9/2013 & rated 91 points: Still deep ruby/red, this blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot delivers the goods for those who enjoy the wines of Saint-Émilion, albeit with a New World flare. The nose shows intense aromas of dried herbs, red currants, cardamom and graphite, while the medium-bodied palate shows similar flavors. The framework is one of medium acidity, light sweet tannins and well-integrated alcohol (listed as 13.7%). Solid in the middle, the wine concludes with a medium-length, supple finish. True to what it should be, this is a well-made right bank knock-off...with a riper bent. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Drink now-2017. (4272 views) | | | Tasted by vanpe003 on 5/17/2013 & rated 90 points: Pop/pour. Just "ok". A bit tight and ungiving. However, as this opens up in the glass, it becomes much more alluring. I'm not very familiar with Cab Franc dominated wines, but here goes, after about an hour open:
On the nose - very fresh. Some commonality with French Cab Franc in that regard, but this gives off a freshness of cut grass with red fruit undercurrents. Also a hint of secondary character starting to show. Overall quite bright and uplifting.
On the palate, medium bodied with a distinct acidity. A bit of a resinous character in the background serves as a counterbalance. Relatively strong tannins remain on the finish.
With the caveat of "I have no idea how this will age" - I'm concerned that the fruit will outlive the tannins and acidity in this wine. I could be totally wrong on that, but for my tastes, this seems slightly out of balance at present, tilting too strongly towards acidity and tannins. A 90 point wine for now. With two more btls in the cellar, I look forward to a continuing education on this one. I will try not to open another until 2015, when I hope I might be pleasantly surprised. (4399 views) | | | Tasted by chuckk on 3/22/2013 & rated 90 points: Wow.
So the first day this wine was good, but not great. Tasted a little hot / acidic. I corked the bottle and threw it in the fridge overnight. Re-opened it tonight and was expecting more of the same - very wrong.
Tannins have mellowed out and the wine has come into itself on day two. Some vegetal properties on the nose. Hints of cassis and tobacco. Red fruit. Great mouth feel. Medium body. Well balanced. Long finish. Silky and integrated. Good depth too.
Honestly this wine is a winner. Don't judge it too quickly. (4263 views) | | | Tasted by BklynNeophyte on 2/7/2013 & rated 91 points: Wow. Nice vegetal quality, not too much fruit.
4 on the AF scale (4125 views) | | | Tasted by BrunelloBob on 12/24/2012 & rated 92 points: Christmas 2012
From Magnum
Cork bled through, barely, and was completely soaked 2/3 through.
Great Napa nose. Red/black fruit palate. Good length, good acidity. Enough tannin. Fruit is Classy, not overwhelming. Nice (3459 views) | | | Tasted by Thilo on 10/7/2012 & rated 92 points: This was one of those wines that I liked and it was also a great crowd pleaser. Color remains dark with just a hint of lightening. Nose shows leafy Cab Franc characteristics and also some juicier undercurrents. On the palate, the Cab Franc/Merlot blend shows its stuff. A cassis component is framed by a greenish note and also a hint of the California eucalyptus. Very drinkable now and a true crowd favorite. (3697 views) | | | Tasted by Burgundy Al on 9/9/2012 & rated 92 points: Starts with lush and fresh black fruit aromas along with licorice, baking spice and dark chocolate. Very similar profile comes through on palate that is also well balanced by smooth, soft tannins. At a very good place right now, seemingly just entering its peak drinking window. (3809 views) | | | Tasted by ppaluszewski on 9/1/2012 & rated 91 points: Plenty of tannins left in this one. The fruit at first was a bit elusive, but they did show up more after decanting. While this is a great wine, not sure there is much upside in holding on to this one for much longer. PJP 2012. (3196 views) | | | Tasted by Loren Sonkin on 5/28/2012 & rated 92 points: Memorial Day weekend wines at Mike's: Also controversial, I liked this more than most. The nose is dusty with cassis and the beginnings of an aquarium quality. Great texture though. Slight tannins. Dark cherry fruit with a green bell pepper note and some tobacco. Is there Cab Franc in here. Tastes more like an aged Loire Red. I would drink these up sooner than later, but I enjoyed this bottles. (4455 views) | | | Tasted by Rollerball on 2/12/2012 & rated 94 points: Decant and pour. Beautifully balanced, savory, and integrated. As outstanding on its own as with chimichurri lamb chops. (4100 views) | | | Tasted by JOJ on 1/7/2012 & rated 93 points: Very nice, mature wine. Nose of bright red fruit, counterbalanced by notes of herbs, dill, grass and smoke. Palate is anchored by a melange of raspberry, cranberry, and cherry. Earthiness and acidity lead to a long finish, with a nice spine of tannin to keep things structured. Fabulous value at the $35 paid for this long ago. (3945 views) | | | Tasted by iamandyc on 12/4/2011 & rated 90 points: Never really opened up even with 4 hours in the decanter. Stayed tight on the nose and the palate. Dark fruits dominated by the merlot. Very bordeaux on the palate. Could taste the minerals, cocoa and flint. The fruit was not lucious though. Definately a food wine. (4092 views) | | | Tasted by Harddriv on 7/23/2011 & rated 92 points: Decanted for about an hour. Smooth, luscious, a terrific wine. (4262 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Producer website
Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Winery is managed and operated by Todd Anderson and his wife, Sarah. Both of whom share an immense appreciation for fine wines and their creation. Todd's passion and expertise for producing world-class cabs and bordeaux-style blends, however, did not come overnight. Since 1984, when he began staking-out the vineyard's trellis system with his father, Gus Anderson, Todd has been involved with every phase of planting, growing, harvesting and crushing their estate grown grapes as well as vinification - the transformation of grapes into wine. The Anderson Winery staff also includes chief vintner, Mac Sawyer, who was recruited to spend a year in France mastering the fine art of wine making at the Superior School at Montpellier. He studied the Bordeaux, Provence and Alsation wine making styles and is the second American to ever attend this school. Mac's assistant, Cuko, continually tests and re-racks vintages so only the finest barrels of our wine are bottled. Traci, the office manager, keeps shipments moving and the office running like a Swiss watch. During the fall harvest, dozens of part-time laborers pick the grapes while Miguel and Cuko help Todd and Mac to crush the harvest and to process tons of grapes into juice.
BACKGROUND: Since 1983 Conn Valley Vineyards has been family owned and operated by the Anderson's, and since their first release in 1987, Conn Valley Vineyards has been dedicated to producing world class wines. The 40 acre Estate is located just south of Howell Mountain in Conn Valley. When you visit, they provide a personal and highly educational experience. Located just 3 miles or 10 minutes east of downtown Saint Helena, you'll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of busy tasting rooms.
TODD ANDERSON: After graduating from University of Pacific in Stockton, CA with a degree in Geology Todd went to work for a small geophysical firm that was on the cutting edge of technology for seismic oil and gas exploration. Todd soon realized the corporate world was not for him. Although he loved the industry he was in, he continually had thoughts of the outdoors and getting back in touch with the soil. These thoughts, along with the mention from his parents of starting a “small vineyard”, are what led to the creation of Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards.Red Bordeaux BlendRed Bordeaux is generally made from a blend of grapes. Permitted grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and rarely Carménère.Today Carménère is rarely used, with Château Clerc Milon, a fifth growth Bordeaux, being one of the few to still retain Carménère vines. As of July 2019, Bordeaux wineries authorized the use of four new red grapes to combat temperature increases in Bordeaux. These newly approved grapes are Marselan, Touriga Nacional, Castets, and Arinarnoa.
Wineries all over the world aspire to making wines in a Bordeaux style. In 1988, a group of American vintners formed The Meritage Association to identify wines made in this way. Although most Meritage wines come from California, there are members of the Meritage Association in 18 states and five other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Israel, and Mexico.USAAmerican wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.California2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson Napa Valley Napa Valley Wineries and Wine (Napa Valley Vintners)Napa ValleySt. Helena |
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