Denner, Kinero, Ranchero tasting at 1st Street with Anthony Yount & Amy Butler
1st Street Wine Co in Livermore
Tasted April 14, 2011 by MotoMannequin with 569 views
Introduction
Opportunity for the Livermore locals to meet the winemakers at Denner, Kinero, and Ranchero, as well as taste some great Paso Rhônes. Anthony was very knowledgable, approachable, fun to talk to, and his passion clearly shows. Unfortunately Amy was busy throughout the crowded room and we didn't get much time with to her.
Flight 1 (6 notes)
White
2010 Kinero Brouhaha
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
This wine is a joint project between Anthony Yount of Kinero Cellars & Amy Butler of Ranchero Cellars. According to the winemakers, this is Pinot Gris but not labeled as such because it's intended in a Vinho Verde style. Fermented in stainless, no ML. Pale green color. Green apples & lime are strong on the nose. This wine was unfortunately served way too warm, near room temperature. The palate was dry, with some spritz, intense Granny Smith apples, then it just layed there, seeming fat & flabby. I believe this would make a very refreshing summer white at an attractive price, and would have shown much better served at the proper temp. The price was attractive enough that I was willing to take a chance on a few bottles.
White
2010 Kinero Roussanne Rustler James Berry Vineyard
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
JBV Rousanne fermented in 1/3 neutral Hungarian oak, 1/3 cement egg, 1/3 neutral french oak. Cloudy pale yellow and the impression of heavy viscosity. Medium-to-full body. Honey, white peach, beeswax, followed up with oily crushed rocks on the midpalate. Creamy, buttery finish goes on for several seconds. Really enjoyed this wine, bought some to pair with some rich seafood dishes this summer.
Red
2009 Denner The Ditch Digger
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsaut, and 5% Counoise. According to Anthony, this is a much more structured, higher acid than the lush fruit-forward '08, represntative of the vintage. Translucent, dark ruby-purple. Nose is deep purple fruits, some earth, and a subtle woodiness showing. This youngster comes off almost as a barrel sample. Palate starts with plums and blueberries, then transitions through a spicyness and into a 2nd wave of red fruits, strawberries and cherries. Some vanilla on the long finish. Smooth and no sense of heat. Drinkable now but very primary. For my taste lay it down at least 3-5 years.
Red
2008 Ranchero Cellars Carignane Old Vines
USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County
Dark ruby-garnet lightening towards the edges. Nose of intense, ripe purple fruits, camphor, and some sauvage earthiness. Palate is bombastic and flamboyant purple fruits, almost pushing the edge on ripeness, but finishes with a cranberry/pomegranite edge and mouth-watering acidity and an old-world earthiness. Interesting wine, enjoyable crowd-pleaser, this will be short-term drinking hedonistic enjoyment for us.
Red
2008 Denner Mother of Exiles
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. According to Anthony, previous vintages of this fruit have gone to Mondavi Coastal and Justin Isosceles/Isosceles Reserve. Dark purple color. Currants and lilacs on the nose. Palate starts black currant, then is rounded out with pencil lead and black cherries lingering in the background on the long, tannic finish. Very much reminiscent of Justin Isosceles. Fans of that wine should look for this.
Closing
Some talk about the direction of Denner in recent years, moving towards spoofulated/point-chasing wine, had me worried about this tasting. I found these wines to be representative of Paso and their respective vintages, and not over the top in terms of ripeness or oak regimen. My only complaint is that they all push the price envelope towards the edge of my comfort zone. Quality, however, is there, and for fans of Paso Rhônes, a very enjoyable event & lineup.
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