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2006 Benovia Chardonnay & 2007 AP Vin Clos Pepe Pinot Noir
Rockridge, Oakland, CA
Tasted November 6, 2008 by tonyvelebil with 308 views
Introduction
Last night Tom DeBiase III and Jill, along with each of their mothers, came over for a glass of wine and a little cheese before they headed over to Oliveto for dinner. I popped a Pinot and Chard for them along with some Blue River Blue Cheese (aged 60 days, Wisconsin) and a blue cheese, candied walnut terrine that Traci had made a couple of days earlier. Both wines popped and poured. The Chardonnay definitely displayed Mike Sullivan's style...reminiscent of his terrific chards when he was at Hartford
Flight 1 (2 notes)
White
2006 Benovia Chardonnay La Pommeraie Vineyard
91 points
Cracked this last night to have a glass or two. Terrific balance in this wine. Notes of honey, almonds, and hazelnut accompany nice spicy pear/baked apple and a little smoke on the palate. Got better in the glass, a little richer with nice acidity to frame it all. Glad to have a couple more of these.
Red
2007 A.P. Vin Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard
91 points
Cracked this too...as I am working my way through Andrew's 07. This was all about structure to me. Nice acidity with a little bit of a tannic backbone that suggests this will need a little more air time or cellar time than the Garys and Kanzler I have tried. Rich dark fruit, Asian spice, a bit of tobacco, vanilla and a hint of coffee on the finish...this may rate a point or two higher for me with some age. Nicely done.