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Folin Cellars with Henry’s Diner: Winemaker Dinner
Folin Cellars, Carlton Tasting Room
Tasted November 23, 2013 by VinLancaster with 391 views
Introduction
Great meal by a Chef Joseph Zumpano of Henry's Diner accompanied by the wonderful wines of Folin Cellars.
Flight 1 - Pre-dinner tasting warm-up: (5 notes)
There were many more wines available for tasting prior to dinner, I held back knowing what was to come.
White - Sparkling
2010 Argyle Vintage Brut
Lovely creamy bubbles, tart apple, ripe pears, yeast, fresh cut grass and lemon zest.
Red
2011 Hayward (by Folin Cellars) Pinot Noir Utopia Vineyard
Rhubarb, forest floor, conifer tree bark and toasted caraway seed aromas. Fills the tongue with medium weight, ample complex dried and fresh fruits, mushrooms and a lengthy finish. Excellent balance and character.
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Comment
Red
2011 Hayward (by Folin Cellars)
Beginning to soften and yield together, this BDX varietal blend is a fantastic sipper showing blue and black fruit notes accompanied by neutrality of oak and earth. Still needs time to fully integrate.
Red
2010 Folin Cellars Tempranillo
Funky barnyard on the nose and palate, this is in a riling stage and needs time to come into adult hood. Hold at least 1-2 years
Red
2010 Folin Cellars Syrah
Drinking beautifully, albeit taut, this Syrah has the stuffing to age for many years. Balance and structure are in check and I am excited for what is to come. Drink 2015+
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Comment
Flight 2 - Course 1: Hamachi Tataki & Asian Pear (1 note)
White
2012 Folin Cellars Viognier
Pears, star fruit, lime zest, crushed river rock and a hint of saline. Finishes with clean & ever so soft liquid pears and citrus fruit notes.
Flight 3 - Course 2: Braised Pork Belly, Parsnips & Pomegranate Gastrique (1 note)
Red
2011 Folin Cellars Grenache Folin Vineyards
Baking spiced plums, dried currants, white pepper and wild game meat fat on the nose and palate. Subtle and seductive, this lighter style Grenache shows ample refinement on the supple finish.
Flight 4 - Course 3: Grilled Sausages, Sauce Romesco & Cecci Beans (1 note)
Red
2009 Folin Cellars Syrah
Chewy, gamey and smoky. This is showing harmony on the ripe fruit and earthy finish.
Flight 5 - Couse 4: Smoked Prime Rib of Beef & Mushroom-Oyster Bread Pudding (1 note)
Red
2010 Folin Cellars Petite Sirah
This density packed Petite Sirah offers dark plums, berries, woody herbs and peppered beef. Finishes with plenty of length and silken notes. Will only improve given more time in the cellar.
Flight 6 - Course 5, Dessert: Assorted Honest Chocolates Co. + Bonus wines (2 notes)
There were other wines cracked, but my palate fatigued beyond memory at this point.
Red
2007 Folin Cellars Tempranillo Reserve
Flaunting savory spiced-vanilla notes with black currants and rich preserved fruit. This Reserve Tempranillo is softer than velvet, coating the tongue in opulence. This would likely benefit from plenty of time for the oak to disperse, but is so luxuriously silky now, it is a pleasure to drink. This will be stunning in a few years.
Red
2008 Folin Cellars Petite Sirah
Well rounded fruit and earth notes, this inky near-black wine is just as excellent as the last time. Swaggers a complex and meandering finish. I wish I had bought more when it was still available.
Lovely special tasting treat at the end of a fantastic dinner-Thanks Rob!
Lovely special tasting treat at the end of a fantastic dinner-Thanks Rob!
Closing
Wines paired perfectly with each course. ...So many wines, such amazing food made for a memorable night!