Important Update From the Founder

Robert Sinskey presents...

Milwaukee, WI

Tasted November 4, 2012 by nzinkgraf with 473 views

Introduction

They started planting in 1982. They were partners at Acacia before Chalone bought Acacia in 1985. They cancelled vineyard contracts, so the started making their own wine. Aside, in the early 80s, Pinot was $300/ton, Merlot was $600/ton and Chardonnay was $800/ton. Winemaker, Jeff Virnig, has been there for 25 years. Sounds like he was their first harvest intern, in fact.
In 1991, they started to convert to Organic and Biodynamic. Phylloxera came in the late 80’s and. Their vineyards suffered. Pascal Marchand, and Anne Gros provided on the ground inspiration, but this was France. In CA, they could look to Amigo Bob or Alan York. Alan York got tagged. Trees in LA, the olives, finally settling into wine working for Fetzer and now Benzinger as their Vineyard Guru.
All vineyards at Sinskey are Demeter certified.
Noted to check out Rudolf Steiner's Biodynamic lectures in 1928.

Flight 1 (3 notes)

White

2010 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Pinot Blanc Los Carnernos USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

melon aromas, and more pop than the 2011. mineral, tree fruit palate, melon. a blend of three vineyards, OSR (behind Hyde and Brown Ranch, Saintsbury), Three Amigos and Scintilla Sonoma. Originally planted Pinot Blanc to blend in with Chardonnay, but...

Comment

White

2011 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Pinot Blanc Los Carnernos USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

vs. the 2010, there is a creamier note in the aromas. more shellfish thoughts. fuller and a silkier texture. I do like 'em both.

Comment

White

2010 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Abraxas Vin De Terroir Scintilla Sonoma Vineyard USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

Scintilla Sonoma vineyard on the Sonoma side of Carneros. This is also where they're attempting a truffle farm. Its here, they raise their sheep.
Melon, green apple and citrus. really Riesling oriented on the palate. an edge of extraction? he says 'no skin contact,'' it is whole cluster though. PB, PG, Riesling, and GW. no lees stirring. 2011 is Riesling based. Abraxas in Jungian philosophy is the a balance of good and evil.

Comment

Flight 2 (4 notes)

Red

2009 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Pinot Noir Aries USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

dark red fruit aromas and a brush of cola. soft barrel as brown sugar notes. 'More fruit forward lots go into Aries.'

Comment

Red

2009 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Pinot Noir Los Carneros USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

Much more elegance in the aromas than the 09 Aries Pinot Noir. not nearly as fruity, shows a touch of oak and floral. floral and red fruit palate. this makes as a nice introduction.

Comment

Red

2007 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Pinot Noir Three Amigos Vineyard Carneros USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

This was the first vineyard that they planted. It is the last picked every year, but still maintains high acid, it is noted.
More density and concentration of fruit. Lots of mineral into raspberry aromas. Floral, some spice, black tea. 'Their feminine style, Vandal is jammier with more plum.' A little salty and full of complexity.

Comment

Red

2008 Robert Sinskey Vineyards POV USA, California, Napa Valley

Napa side of Carneros. Loads of black fruit aroma. All Carneros. 'Upper Carneros'. 'Right Bank of Napa'. Iron works through the aromas. A fresh pop and punchy acids.
'2009 more structured than the 2008'. 'St Emilion on a suntan'. And the 'tighter lots go to Marcien'

Comment

Robert Sinskey presents...

Milwaukee, WI

Introduction

Flight 1 (3 notes)

Flight 2 (4 notes)

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