La Rochelle Winemaker Dinner

Tasted Wednesday, April 24, 2013 by Martin Redmond with 280 views

Flight 1 (1 Note)

  • 2009 La Rochelle Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs - Methode Champenoise 90 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    Very pale straw yellow color with brioche, red fruit and apple aromas with a fine bead and a very creamy mousse. On the palate, it’s between light and medium bodied; and dry and off-dry with cherry, apple,mineral and a hint of citrus flavors. Long finish.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 2 (1 Note)

  • 2010 La Rochelle Chardonnay Recherché Reserve Rosella's Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    Pale golden yellow color with spiced pear, apple, citrus and a hint of honey aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, creamy and balanced with medium-acidity and pear, apple, lemon curd flavors and a long finish. 100% Dijon clone 76. The wine was aged in 100% French oak, 50% of which were new (Doreau, Vernou) for about 14 months. ~100 cases produced

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

Flight 3 (1 Note)

  • 2010 La Rochelle Pinot Noir Donum Estate Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    Ruby color with black cherry, brown sugar, lavender, pepper and earth aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and balanced with black cherry, mineral, and hints of cola and earth flavors. Alcohol 14.7%. Eighteen months in 100% French oak (including Billon, Cadus, and Saury); 5 barrels – 3 new, two second-use. Production: 259 six-packs

    The Donum Ranch includes 70 acres of vines divided into 15 blocks and sub-blocks. A variety of Pinot Noir clones and selections grows here, including “heirlooms” like Calera, Chalone, Hanzell, Martini, Roederer and Swan, and Dijon clones such as 115, 667 and 777. Originally planted in 1989 by Anne Moller-Racke, La Rochelle uses the Donum clone (a Roederer selection) for its offering. 2010 is our second release.

    Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

Flight 4 (1 Note)

  • 2010 La Rochelle Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    Dark ruby color with cherry, raspberry, earth, pomegranate aromas. On the palate it’s medium bodied with cherry, raspberry mineral, red currant, and spice flavors. Long finish 100% Pinot Noir – Pisoni clone from the Santa Lucia Highlands apellation. Alcohol 14.6%. 18 months in 100% French oak (François Frerès and Billon); 3 barrels – 2 new, 1 second use. 132 six-packs produced.

    The Soberanes Vineyard consists of 35 acres and was planted in 2008 by Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Named for the family who received thousands of acres – including the site of the vineyard – as a Mexican land grant in the early 1800s, 2010 marks the first release from this site for La Rochelle.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

×
×