NSMFOW April '09--Promising CA Wineries

The Grapevine, Salem, MA
Tasted Thursday, April 2, 2009 by cgrimes with 637 views

Introduction

We gathered for this event to try some promising new CA wineries but this really was more like a sampling of some of the noble grapes, California style. The food served with the flights was superb, but the wine was a bit spotty.

Flight 1 - Sauvignon Blancs (2 Notes)

Paired with "Bacon and Eggs," poached egg and pancetta on a bed of drizzled frisee.

  • 2006 Jax Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Y3 86 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Light yellow. Nose of citrus, apple, some grass. Similar palate, some grapefruit but not over the top. A little lacking in the minerality, acidity dept. and mouthfeel a little too luscious for my style.

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  • 2007 Honig Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 83 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Light yellow color. Nose of apple, grass, straw. Palate of sweet apple, some grapefruit with similar grassiness. Not as crisp or minerally as I want in a SB. There are so many other SB I'd reach to before this in this price range.

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Flight 2 - Chardonnays (2 Notes)

Paired with sauteed shrimp in a mild curried lentil sauce.

  • 2005 Hartford / Hartford Court Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyards 89 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    Light golden color. Nose of tropical fruits, some nuts. Palate of sweet apple, lemon, tropical fruits with a light nuttiness, some butter. More minerality and acidity compared to the Tandem. I enjoyed this wine despite it not being my preferred style.

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  • 2005 Tandem Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard 88 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    Light golden color. Nose of apple, oak, hazelnuts. Similar palate. Low minerality. Lower acidity compared with the Hartford Four Hearts. I preferred the Hartford but enjoyed this more than I expected.

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Flight 3 - Pinot Noirs (2 Notes)

Paired with pan-seared skate with wild mushrooms and wine reduction. Absolutely delicious.

  • 2006 Davis Bynum Pinot Noir 83 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    This wine was indistinguishable as a Pinot Noir--even non-blinded. Why drink Pinot Noir at all if you enjoy something so far removed? I gave it an 83 because it works reasonably well as a Syrah.

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  • 2005 Tandem Pinot Noir Silver Pines Vineyard 89 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain

    Medium ruby color. Typical Pinot nose of cherries, some earthiness, band aid. Fruit forward palate of dark cherries, slightly candied, some earth with a somewhat peppery, hot finish. Smooth tannins. Velvety mouthfeel. For me, the weightiness and heat of this wine detracted a bit from the overall quality.

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Flight 4 - Cabernets (3 Notes)

Paired with seared duck, roasted potatoes, and wilted spinach.

  • 2005 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Purple opaque. Nose of dark berries, smoke. Palate of blackberries, mocha, some liquorice with velvety tannins. Very smooth. Tasted alonside the Caravan and Faust from the same year and though all were very similar, this just had a bit more balance.

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  • 2005 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon Caravan 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    2nd label of Darioush. Similar to the Darioush but slightly more vanilla on the nose and palate.

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  • 2005 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Purple opaque. Nose of dark berries, chocolate, smoke and wood. Some green pepper on the nose initially which improved with aeration in the glass. Smooth palate of blackberry, dark chocolate, some coffee, tar, slightly more tannic than the others. Decent finish. This would be a crowd pleaser.

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Flight 5 - Red Blends (3 Notes)

  • 2005 Roy Estate Proprietary Red 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Dark ruby color. Nose of blackberries, plum, some cassis, smoke and wood. Similar palate with some chocolate and tobacco. Primary at this stage but could get better with age. Decent tannins and finish. Served too late in the meal to fully appreciate.

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  • 2003 Hyde De Villaine Red Wine 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    Purple opaque. Nose of dark fruits, some cassis, oak. Palate of blackberries, some cassis with rich, chocolate undercurrents. Velvety tannins. In a rich CA style. Still primary but may improve. Remarkably, this wine was not in CT.

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  • 2001 Stags' Leap Winery Petite Sirah Ne Cede Malis 84 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

    Ruby color. Funky nose of dark fruits and cherry, some barnyard. Similar on the palate with a tartness that I found took away from the experience. Tannins largely resolved. Perhaps this bottle was a little off or perhaps I just didn't like it. I would have been disappointed if I had spent $65 on it.

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Closing

Later this month we'll be featuring '05 Burgundies.

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