2009 Family Winemakers Annual Tasting

Fort Mason, San Francisco, California
Tasted Sunday, August 23, 2009 - Monday, August 24, 2009 by rjonwine@gmail.com with 2,720 views

Introduction

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photo by Stephen Timko

I always look forward to this event, both for the opportunity to try so many wines of producers I like and those that are new to me, as well as the opportunity to see friends in the wine business who come to town for this every year. This was a particularly satisfying tasting for me, as I felt I did a better job than usual of focusing on new producers I'd heard good things about, or who have winemakers of interest, and revisiting old favorites. As a result, the quality of most everything I tasted was good to excellent, and I tasted no lineup that I would consider "drek," as has been the case when I've been a little less focused in my tasting plan in prior years. Of course, despite tasting for over 9 hours in two days, there were still producers that I hoped to get to, but didn't, and old favorites that I had to miss. I did make it to 57 producers and tasted 222 wines. Particular standouts among the newer producers this year, for me, were Cabot Vineyards, Demetria Estate, Frostwatch Vineyard, Gemstone, Jemrose Vineyard, Krupp Brothers, Lone Madrone and Parallel Wines. Vintage-wise, the '07s continue to impress as powerful wines that will be great with a few years or more of age, '06s are showing better than they did a year ago, and the '08s I tried were very promising.

Flight 1 - Amapola Creek (2 Notes)

Richard Arrowood's role as owner and co-winemaker in this project that started in '05 is what drew me to try these wines. Good efforts both.

Flight 2 - Arcadian (5 Notes)

This was a good lineup overall, with the '05 Sleepy Hollow showing particularly well.

Flight 3 - Audelssa (3 Notes)

I've been a fan of Audelssa, and its talented winemaker Erich Bradley, for a few years. These showed well as usual.

Flight 4 - Beau Vigne (5 Notes)

I was interested in these as Dave Phinney is the winemaker. I liked the two Beau Vigne Cabs.

Flight 5 - Big Basin (6 Notes)

I usually try to taste these wines when they're present, as the Syrahs are very good. The '07 Fairview Ranch should be another powerhouse Syrah.

Flight 6 - Cabot (5 Notes)

John Cabot
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photo by Stephen Timko

This was a delightful new producer, recommended by Alan and people who had attend the San Diego FW event. This is unusual winemaking that is producing very tasty results.

Flight 7 - Calera (4 Notes)

This was a good opportunity to retaste the '06s, and the Ryan is showing particularly well. The sweet wine was a treat.

Flight 8 - Carrefour (5 Notes)

I tasted these on someone's recommendation, and was favorably impressed. The Cab was quite good.

Flight 9 - Cavus (1 Note)

Another one where Dave Phinney is the winemaker, but I was underwhelmed by the oaked up result.

  • 2005 Cavus Cabernet Sauvignon 83 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

    (8/24/2009)

    Deep chocolate, black fruit nose; odd black fruit, oak palate, kind of a mess; medium finish (94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc)

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Flight 10 - Chasseur (6 Notes)

I love Chasseur Chards and Pinots, and it was great to retaste the '06s and try the '07s.

Flight 11 - Clos Pepe (2 Notes)

Although I expected to see Wes Hagen here, it was a treat to see instead owner Steve Pepe again, after many, many years. We worked together at the same law firm in L.A. a zillion years ago, from which he retired as an entertainment law partner.

  • 2006 Clos Pepe Estate Pinot Noir 91 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

    (8/23/2009)

    Nice tart cherry nose with depth; tart cherry palate with green notes and good grip; medium-plus finish 91+ pts.

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  • 2007 Clos Pepe Estate Pinot Noir 91 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

    (8/23/2009)

    Lovely tart cherry nose; tight, tart cherry, cranberry palate; medium-plus finish

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Flight 12 - Darms Lane (1 Note)

A micro producer I tried on another recommendation from the earlier FW, and was impressed.

  • 2005 Darms Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Bon Passe Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Lovely berry, chocolate nose; tasty, rich, berry and chocolate palate; medium-plus finish (95% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a little Cab Franc and Petit Verdot; vineyard planted in '02; 75% American oak, 25% Hungarian)

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Flight 13 - Dashe (3 Notes)

I have friends who are big fans of Dashe, and I appreciate the chances Mike takes. The results at this tasting didn't bowl me over though.

Flight 14 - Deerfield Ranch (7 Notes)

A friend in Sonoma who has a very good palate has raved about this producer over the last few years. It was a good lineup overall.

Flight 15 - Demetria (4 Notes)

This was a new producer to me, and I was particularly impressed by the Cuvee Constantine.

  • 2006 Demetria Cuvée Papou 88 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Lovely floral, apricot, yellow fruit nose; tart yellow fruit, peach, floral palate; medium finish (33% Marsanne, 24$ Grenache Blanc, 24% Viognier, 19% Roussanne)

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  • 2006 Demetria Pinot Noir Cuvée Sandra 91 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

    (8/24/2009)

    Nice roses and ripe cherry nose; tasty, ripe cherry, black cherry and pomegranate palate; medium finish (3 clones but mainly Pommard; 20 mos in French oak, only 20% new)

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  • 2006 Demetria North Slope 90 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Earthy, tart black fruit, charcoal, pepper nose; tasty, tart black fruit, charcoal palate with green notes; medium-plus finish

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  • 2006 Demetria Cuvée Constantine 93 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Aromatic black fruit, charcoal, blackberry and chocolate nose; taty, rich but complex, tart black fruit, blackberry, mineral, chocolate powder palate; medium-plus finish (44% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre, 1% Viognier)

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Flight 16 - Donum/Robert Stemmler (4 Notes)

These were good, solid Chards and Pinots.

Flight 17 - Esterlina (4 Notes)

I like what the Sterling Family does very much. The '06 and '07 estate Pinots were very good as usual.

Flight 18 - Frostwatch (4 Notes)

Owner and winemaker Brett Raven was on hand to explain what he's doing with this project, which started in '02. Very nice wines.

  • 2007 Frostwatch Kismet 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Light, dry peach nose; tart peach, lemon grass palate; medium finish 90+ pts. (80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay)

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  • 2007 Frostwatch Chardonnay 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Light apple, ripe citrus nose; tasty, poised, ripe lime, apple palate with balance; medium-plus finish 92+ pts. (indigenous yeast; 6 mos. malo; 43% new French oak)

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  • 2006 Frostwatch Merlot 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Focused plum nose; tasty, ripe and tart plum palate with depth; medium finish 92+ pts. (86% Merlot, 14% Napa Cabernet)

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  • 2006 Frostwatch Zinfandel 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Tart berry, boysenberry nose; tight, tart berry, boysenberry palate; medium finish

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Flight 19 - Gemstone (2 Notes)

I happened to watch the re-airing of the "In Wine Country" segment on this producer a day or so before this tasting. The flagship wine was quite good. Philippe Melka is the winemaker.

  • 2006 Gemstone Facets 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Nice ripe berry, plum and black fruit nose; deep black fruit, berry palate, tight yet; medium-plus finish 91+ pts. (43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc)

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  • 2006 Gemstone G 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville

    (8/24/2009)

    Deep, intriguing blackberry, berry and plum nose; blackberry, berry and plum palate with depth and purity; medium-plus finish (98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot)

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Flight 20 - Grassi (1 Note)

A respectable effort by winemaker Peter Franus.

  • 2006 Grassi Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Big berry, eucalyptus, mint, cassis nose; big, a little aggressive, tart cassis, berry, black fruit palate; medium-plus finish 90+ pts. (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot; 60% new French oak)

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Flight 21 - Indigene Cellars (4 Notes)

owner/winemaker Raymond Smith
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Raymond Smith has been a bottler for 20 or more years. I don't care for the label artwork (a feeling that I and a couple others at the table shared with Raymond) but he's doing some interesting blends and trying for a very different kind of Syrah. I appreciate his efforts to do something new.

Flight 22 - JC Cellars (6 Notes)

It's always great to see Jeff, who always seems to be enjoying himself immensely, whatever he's doing. A very tasty lineup, and a treat to try the "Condrieu" he made with his buddy Francois Villard.

Flight 23 - Jemrose (5 Notes)

A couple of friends recommended this new producer, whose winemaker is the esteemed Michael Browne, and I've tried their fruit in Shane's Syrahs, among others. I thought this was one of the most impressive lineups of the tasting, and definitely a producer to watch for. I loved the Cardiac Hill Syrah and the Cab/Merlot blend.

  • 2008 Jemrose Viognier Egret Pond 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (8/23/2009)

    Tart white fruit and floral nose; tart peach palate with good acidity; medium finish 91+ pts. (stainless steel fermented)

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  • 2007 Jemrose Syrah Cardiac Hill Bennett Valley 93 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (8/23/2009)

    Nice black fruit, lifted nose; tasty black fruit, sprightly, with good acidity; medium-plus finish (30% whole cluster; 5 clones; new oak)

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  • 2007 Jemrose Grenache Foggy Knoll 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (8/23/2009)

    Rich berry nose with a hint of roses; tasty, tart berry, charcoal palate; medium finish 90+ pts. (20% new oak; Tablas Creek clone)

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  • 2007 Jemrose Gloria's Gem 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (8/23/2009)

    Big cassis, berry nose; poised, rich cassis, berry palate, tight yet but full of stuffing; medium-plus finish 92+ pts. (60% Syrah, 40% Merlot)

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  • 2008 Jemrose Late Harvest Viognier Egret Pond 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (8/23/2009)

    Pear, green apple, floral nose; tart peach, pear, apricot and apple palate; medium-plus finish 91+ pts. (just bottled)

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Flight 24 - Jordan (1 Note)

Very good Cali Cab, as usual.

Flight 25 - Justin (7 Notes)

It had been a few years since I tasted through Justin's lineup, so I very much enjoyed doing so at this tasting. I think the Tempranillo is one of the best versions of that varietal in the country, and I loved the Isosceles as usual. The Savant is a new blend that was quite good.

Flight 26 - Kenneth Volk (9 Notes)

I went here on a couple of recommendations, and the Malvasia was probably the best of that varietal I've had from California, and the Pinots were all strong.

Flight 27 - Klinker Brick (2 Notes)

This was another recommendation, but I was underwhelmed.

  • 2007 Klinker Brick Syrah Farráh 84 Points

    USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

    (8/23/2009)

    Black fruit, clove nose; oaky, chocolatey, black fruit, berry palate, with some residual sugar; medium finish

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  • 2006 Klinker Brick Zinfandel Old Vine Old Ghost 90 Points

    USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

    (8/23/2009)

    Big tart berry nose; tart berry, black fruit, mineral and charcoal palate with some complexity and depth; medium-plus finish 90+ pts. (from 96 yr old vines)

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Flight 28 - Krupp Brothers (5 Notes)

These were exciting wines I tasted on my friend John's recommendation. From the blends to the packaging, there's a strong and confident point of view here.

Flight 29 - L'Angevin/Peirson Meyer (7 Notes)

This was a good lineup, but I was getting a little confused as to which was L'Angevin and which was Peirson Meyer, and why the distinction.

Flight 30 - L'Aventure (2 Notes)

Wonderful wines as usual.

Flight 31 - La Fenêtre (5 Notes)

A new producer to me, I quite enjoyed these.

Flight 32 - La Sirena (5 Notes)

Remi Barrett
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These were impressive wines--the Moscato Azul has really grown on me since I last tried it. The estate Syrah is particularly good. And what a treat to meet Bo and Heidi's daughter Remi!

  • 2007 La Sirena Moscato Azul 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Lovely, big Muscat, orange blossom nose; ripe nectarine, orange blossom palate with good acidity; medium finish

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  • 2006 La Sirena Syrah Barrett Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

    (8/24/2009)

    Ripe berry, plum nose; tasty, ripe berry, blackberry palate; medium finish 91+ pts.

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  • 2005 La Sirena Syrah 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Deep berry, blackberry nose; tasty, tart blackberry, black fruit palate, still very tight; medium-plus finish

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  • 2005 La Sirena Syrah Barrett Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Calistoga

    (8/24/2009)

    Ethereal blackberry, berry, lavender nose; tasty, tight, tart blackberry, berry palate; medium-plus finish 92+ pts.

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  • 2006 La Sirena Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Deep black fruit, licorice nose; licorice, black fruit, charcoal palate; medium-plus finish 91+ pts. (94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc; 100% French oak)

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Flight 33 - Lagier Meredith (2 Notes)

I adore Carole Meredith, and, fortunately, I love her Syrahs as well. I didn't taste through the older Syrahs she had at this tasting, as I get a chance to try those out of my own stash fairly regularly. The '07 Syrah is another unique individual, and quite stunning. The joint venture Zin she and Stephen made with their neighbor was my favorite Zin of the tasting.

  • 2007 Lagier Meredith Syrah 94 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder

    (8/24/2009)

    Great aromatics, with blue fruit, black fruit, berries and floral nose; blue fruit, honeycomb, sage, berry, blackberry palate, surprisingly accessible now but lots there; medium-plus finish (for Sept. '09 release)

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  • 2007 Chester's Anvil Zinfandel Mead Ranch 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Atlas Peak

    (8/24/2009)

    Evocative berry, dreid berry nose; dried berry, berry, chocolate palate with depth; medium-plus finish (best Zin I tasted at '09 Family Winemakers)

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Flight 34 - Lail (3 Notes)

Erin Lail
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Very good wines from Lail.

Flight 35 - Littorai (7 Notes)

It's always worth tasting these wines. The best for me of this particular lineup was the '07 Thieriot Chard.

Flight 36 - Lone Madrone (5 Notes)

Marci Collins
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This is the project of Neil Collins, Tablas Creek's longtime winemaker, with his sister Jackie Meisinger. It was nice to see Neil's wife Marci here, as we'd had dinner in L.A. several years ago and I haven't seen her since. I really enjoyed these unusual wines, especially the Zin/Petite Sirah blend and the yummy Viognier sweetie.

Flight 37 - Mahoney (8 Notes)

Winemaker Ken Foster
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Francis Mahoney has been growing great Pinot forever. Ken Foster seems to be doing an excellent job with the fruit, and I enjoyed the more unusual varietals as well, especially the excellent Albarino, certainly one of the very best from California that I've tried.

Flight 38 - Martinelli (3 Notes)

These were pretty good, but I expected more.

Flight 39 - Navarro (7 Notes)

Navarro is one of my favorite places to visit in Anderson Valley, and I hadn't done the lineup in at least a couple years. It was nice to be reminded of the terrific Gewurtztraminer, which I think is the best that is produced domestically. I also really enjoyed the Riesling sweetie.

Flight 40 - Orentano (4 Notes)

Not a recommendation from anyone, just a Russian River Pinot producer that wasn't familiar to me. Nothing special.

  • 2005 Orentano Pinot Noir 87 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Deep black cherry, cola nose; black cherry, RC cola palate; medium finish

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  • 2007 Orentano Pinot Noir 87 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Black cherry, berry nose; berry, black cherry, cola palate; medium finish 87+ pts.

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  • 2006 Orentano Pinot Noir 88 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Black cherry, berry, herbal nose; black cherry, berry, herbal palate; medium finish

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  • 2004 Orentano Pinot Noir Reserve 84 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Berry, black fruit nose; oak, berry palate; medium finish

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Flight 41 - Orin Swift (5 Notes)

David Phinney must be one of the best young winemakers in California in terms of marketing and packaging, and being attuned to what consumers want. There was a mob scene around the table during the public portion of the tasting on Sunday, so I waited until Monday to taste these. The Mercury Head continues to be a very respectable Cab, and I think the Prisoner is better than prior incarnations I've tasted. You've gotta love the packaging though. ;-)

  • 2008 Orin Swift Sauvignon Blanc Veladora 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Grassy lemon grass nose; tart lemon, grapefruit palate; medium finish (mainly Sauv Blanc, with some Semillon)

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  • 2007 Orin Swift Saldo 91 Points

    USA, California

    (8/24/2009)

    Deep berry, raisin nose; nice tart berry, raisin palate; medium-plus finish (85% Zin, 10% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah; cool Dymo label maker retro label)

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  • 2007 Orin Swift The Prisoner 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Tart berry, plum nose; ripe plum, berry, black fruit palate; medium finish 90+ pts.

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  • 2006 Orin Swift Papillon 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Nice blackberry, black fruit nose; tasty black fruit, blackberry, berry and tar palate; medium-plus finish 91+ pts.

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  • 2006 Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon Mercury Head 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/24/2009)

    Pure cassis, berry nose; rich but poised tart black fruit, tart berry palate with a touch of eucalyptus; medium-plus finish

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Flight 42 - Outpost (4 Notes)

Daniel
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This was a great lineup. The Cabernet is terrific and the Petite Sirah is stunning. (Daniel's not bad looking either. ;-) )

  • 2007 Outpost Grenache 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (8/24/2009)

    Nice black fruit, charcoal nose; tasty, black fruit, charcoal palate with structure; medium finish (50% whole cluster)

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  • 2007 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (8/24/2009)

    Raisin, currant, berry nose; god raisin and berry palate with structure; medium finish

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  • 2006 Outpost Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (8/24/2009)

    Nice, rich, cassis nose; berry, cassis and espresso palate with purity of fruit; medium-plus finish 92+ pts. (95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Merlot; 100% new French oak)

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  • 2006 Outpost Petite Sirah The Other 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (8/24/2009)

    Deep black fruit, blackberry nose; tasty, tight but good blackberry, black fruit palate; medium-plus finish

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Flight 43 - Pahlmeyer (2 Notes)

Solid results, as usual.

Flight 44 - Paloma (1 Note)

The Richards have been at every Family Winemakers I've attended, I believe, so it was painful to see Barbara there without her recently departed husband, but it was also good to see her and how strong she seems despite the terrible loss.

  • 2007 Paloma Merlot 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (8/23/2009)

    Lovely plum, black fruit, red plum nose; tart plum, berry palate; medium finish 91+ pts. (pre-release)

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Flight 45 - Parallel (3 Notes)

Philippe Melka is the winemaker here, which is what drew me to try the wines. I was impressed by the Cabs.

Flight 46 - Pierce Ranch (1 Note)

I had recently tasted the Pierce Ranch lineup at a domestic Spanish and Portugese varietal tasting, and been very impressed. I think they're doing the best job with Portugese varietals of anyone in the country. I just quickly checked in on the Cosecheiro before continuing with my must-do list.

  • 2006 Pierce Ranch Cosecheiro 90 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County

    (8/24/2009)

    Black fruit, charcoal, fig nose; tasty, fig, black fruit palate; medium-plus finish 90+ pts.

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Flight 47 - Pisoni (3 Notes)

I beelined for Pisoni as my first wines of the tasting, since the Pisoni fruit is very special, and because Jeff just keeps growing enormously as a winemaker (I love what he did for Baton Wines last year). The '07 Pisoni Pisoni is a beautiful powerhouse, and was a great way to kickoff another FW.

  • 2007 Lucia Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 91 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    (8/23/2009)

    Ripe peach, melon nose; nice ripe pineapple, lemon palate; medium finish

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  • 2007 Lucia Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    (8/23/2009)

    Lovely cherry, black cherry, berry nose; tasty cranberry, tart red fruit palate, tight yet; medium finish 91+ pts.

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  • 2007 Pisoni Pinot Noir Estate 93 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    (8/23/2009)

    Beautiful berry, raspberry nose; tight but very tasty raspberry, cherry palate with pure fruit, needs a few years; medium-plus finish

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Flight 48 - Pride (2 Notes)

I didn't try the whole lineup, as I was up at Pride a few months ago. I did taste both the the Merlot and Cab Franc, though, on a friend's recommendation, and I think there's been improvement in both those varietals there.

Flight 49 - Ramey (6 Notes)

Solid producer, as usual.

Flight 50 - Robert Foley (3 Notes)

I hadn't tried these for a couple of years. The '06 Petite Sirah is quite nice.

  • 2008 Robert Foley Charbono 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/23/2009)

    Nice berry nose; berry, oak palate with good acidity; medium finish

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  • 2006 Robert Foley Claret 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/23/2009)

    Deep berry, plum nose; tart berry, blalck fruit and oak palate with definition; medium finish

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  • 2006 Robert Foley Petite Sirah 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (8/23/2009)

    Tangy black fruit and charcoal nose; tasty, deep, black fruit, graphite and pepper palate; medium finish 92+ pts.

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Flight 51 - Rock Wall (2 Notes)

This is a new project by the Rosenblum family, and the Rosenblum daughter is the winemaker. I didn't try the whole lineup, which was mostly Zin, because my low Zin threshhold had already been breached, but I quite enjoyed the Riesling sweetie.

Flight 52 - Saddleback (3 Notes)

Good wines as usual, but the rep behind the counter was so earnest and determined in his marketing and follow up efforts, even late in the day on Monday, that I was getting creeped out. Give it a rest, dude!

Flight 53 - Scott Cellars (3 Notes)

A recommendation from prior FW attendees. Good wines.

Flight 54 - Tablas Creek (6 Notes)

I love Tablas Creek, and what they've done for Rhone varietals in this country, but rarely get a chance to taste them at large tasting where I'm trying to discover new producers. The '06 Esprit red may be the best Esprit red that I've tasted.

Flight 55 - Tandem (3 Notes)

I generally like the Tandem Pinots, and enjoyed the '07 Silver Pines a lot.

  • 2006 Tandem Pinot Noir Van der Kamp Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain

    (8/24/2009)

    Savory, tart red fruit nose with a touch of brett; tart red fruit, savory, smoke palate; medium finish 91+ pts.

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  • 2007 Tandem Pinot Noir Silver Pines Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain

    (8/24/2009)

    Tart cherry, mineral nose; tart cherry, mineral, herbal palate; medium-plus finish 92+ pts. (for fall release)

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  • 2006 Tandem Peloton 90 Points

    USA, California

    (8/24/2009)

    Tart cherry and smoke nose with a touch of brett; tart red fruit, smoke, mineral palate; medium-plus finish 90+ pts. (58% Pinot Noir, 30% Zinfandel, 2.5% Caringane, 2.5% Sangiovese, 2% Syrah, 2% Charbono, 2% Gewurtztraminer, 1% Pinot Meunier)

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Flight 56 - Turley (1 Note)

Turley is usually represented by just one wine at these events, and this year was no exception. Very good as usual.

  • 2007 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (8/23/2009)

    Big ripe berry and raisin nose; ripe berry, raisin palate with depth; medium-plus finish

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Flight 57 - Valdez Family (3 Notes)

A couple people recommended this newish producer, where Jeff Cohn is consultant, but I was not all that impressed.

Closing

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