POE Wines - Winemaker's Dinner with Samantha Sheehan
The Loft @ The Montage - Laguna Beach, CA
Tasted Sunday, January 19, 2014 by brigcampbell with 1,861 views
Introduction
Andrew ran this event, his first time organizing a tasting and really did a nice job. He reached out to Samantha from Poe Wines, who graciously agreed to participate and Steve worked with The Montage chef on the menu. A perfect team.
Sam is soft spoken, quick with a smile, and extremely passionate about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Throughout the evening she shared her thoughts on vineyards, styles and the wine making techniques she uses. Maybe more importantly, why she chose those versus others. Really fascinating and educational. Below is a quote from the Poe Wine website in Samantha's own words. http://www.poewines.com/
POE was founded in 2009 by Samantha Sheehan, an advocate of the vineyards and wines of Burgundy and Champagne. The brand; Poe, was created to show that California too has incredible and distinctive terroir, varying dramatically from one microclimate to the next. Poe only produces single vineyard wines to show that distinction, and picks not by numbers, but rather when the fruit is balanced and flavorful.
An interesting observation and discussion between FMIII and myself ensued after the 4th flight where it became obvious that each of the Poe wines were distinguishable from each other. How often have you tasted a lineup and it's difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish between vineyard and AVA wines from various vintages? Not the case here, each wine carries it's unique character into the next vintage. Another theme throughout this tasting story is the amazingly high quality across the line up. That's a real talent.
It takes a village of stems to pull this off and Gary the Sommelier from the Montage did an incredible job.
Flight 1 - Rose with an appetizer (1 Note)
Scallops with fennel
The Chardonnay and Rose on ice. There had been more bottles before I took this picture, but Steve and I weren't paying attention and started tasting the rosé not knowing it was for the first flight, not the appetizer. Soon we were pouring for everybody in complete oblivion. Ugh! But our act of heresy didn't phase Samantha one bit as she just said "OK, we'll just move this wine here and that one there. All good." Travesty averted. 
Flight 2 (2 Notes)
Littleneck clam cake, smoked bacon aioli, meyer lemon
Flight 3 (2 Notes)
Applewood Smoked Salmon tartare, quail egg, Button mushroom, mustard oil
Flight 4 (4 Notes)
House Made Tagliatele Pork Bolognese, San marzano tomatoes, torn basil
Flight 5 - Desserts, desserts, and more desserts (2 Notes)
Buttermilk blue, red onion marmalade, pumpernickle crouton, cocoa nibs
More goodies
Closing
Steve surprised Sam by ordering three desserts, just for her. It was quite fun as there's an inside story regarding Sam's legendary feats consuming sweets. She didn't eat these all by herself. 
Thanks to Andrew, Steve and especially Samantha for organizing another fantastic evening enjoyed by all. The big takeaway for me is if you're looking for an outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from a rising star then no need to look any further than POE Wines.
2013 Poe Wines Rosé Sonoma County
USA, California, Sonoma County
Bottled 3 days earlier. No malo for this rose and clocked in at 11.5%. In fact, this wine hasn't seen air and was bottled with co2 gas which results in a very pink color. Aromas of tree fruit, pear, and strawberry. Very light mouthfeel with medium acidity. Terrific and will make a fine pairing with seafood in the summer.
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