Tag Archives: california winemaking

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2010 Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon

Fantastic bottle of red from Castle Rock Winery.  The grapes for this 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon are grown in Columbia Valley vineyards that (seemingly) share the same latitude as the Bordeaux region of France.  That’s an interesting fact in particular because the Castle Rock followed immediately on the heels of a Bordeaux that earned some praise in Notes — but what a contrast between the two.

The 2010 Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, with Columbia Valley grapes cellared and bottled in Geyserville, California, USA.

The 2010 Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, with Columbia Valley grapes cellared and bottled in Geyserville, California, USA.

The 2010 Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon had a richer and fruitier taste to it, with berry scents released immediately upon the pour.  The Cadillac was fine, but the Castle Rock was by far the superior wine to this palate.  Lots of black berries in this one, and much smoother finish by comparison.  The Chateau Close la Chapelle was the red blend, but it was the Castle Rock that seemed to weave in more spices, more flavors…a definite winner in their head-to-head matchup.

I do wonder, though, how much of this can be attributed to the stemware?  We do have a specially shaped Cabernet Sauvignon glass (a Syrah and Pinot Noir glass too–thanks Bec) but not a Bordeaux glass.  I’ve learned that the right glass opens the bouquet the right way, and even directs the flow of wine to the appropriate taste buds upon drinking so there’s some validity to the question.

This 2010 is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months “to soften and add complexity” and accompanied a delicious grilled tuna steak and an arugula/orzo salad.  High marks all across the board and we know exactly how to get more of each treat.  Good roadmap for you too.

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3 Muses Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Interesting dining approaches for our consumption of the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from 3 Muses Cellars.  Arriving home on a Friday evening after a week on the road in New Jersey, I had my first glass of this gentle cab with a delicious frittata.  Frankly, I’m not sure what wine goes best with breakfast food but sometimes it’s the adventure that makes this blog such a worthy cause.  Yes, that’s right, I’m sacrificing for the art…

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3 Muses Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Rosa, California, USA.

…and I honestly don’t have great notes on how the Muses worked this first night.  The following evening, however, we revisited as part of a favorite easy meal: tender, succulent beef, crispy crowns seasoned potatoes, and fresh salads.  Armed with our new grill and a penchant for cow flesh, the steaks have been fantastic over the last several weeks and this is another one of those occasions.  The seasonings on our steaks were easy to identify but the faint touches in the Muses were less so.  Thus, I offer a few words from the winemaker:

“Soft and subtle on the palate, this California Cab offers aromas and flavors of cassis, plum, dark berries, and dried herbs.”

Short and sweet description, right?  Sort of like the vino itself.  The Muses had the deep, rich ruby hues we often associate with a California red but was a bit weaker in the subtleties that really make a great Cabernet Sauvignon distinguish itself from the pack.  I’m glad we gave it a go but there are many finer options out there waiting for us in the future.

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2012 Gracenote Pinot Noir

After a tiring flight from San Antonio, the 2012 Gracenote Pinot Noir was a welcome treat that marked the end of a six-day work week.  My wife had opened in advance of my arrival, and the aromatic Pinot Noir had had a good opportunity to breath while I was en route from the airport.

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2012 Gracenote Pinot Noir, Ubben Vineyards, Russian River Valley, California, USA.

This Russian River Valley red, aged in oak barrels, was created by Ubben Vineyards (and winemaker Reed Renaudin) and had a great fruity scent to it.  Great, vibrant color too.  Notes from the pros read as follows:

“This sublime wine offers impressions of dark cherry, strawberry, lavender, vanilla, cedar, and a hint of toast.”

It had a bit too much vanilla for me, but the strawberry (not exactly my favorite) was subtle and I tasted more of the cherry and cedar–gladly.  I consumed a glass with a chicken cordon bleu and delicious orzo salad, and the Gracenote was an effective medium between the two.  A nice bit of comfort after the Saturday night flight.

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2011 Mark West, Pinot Noir

Mark West hadn’t visited our home in some time–not since we left the friendly confines of New Jersey–and, on several nights this week, stopped by to catch up.  West’s easy, casual style made him a welcome guest and I wistfully watch him leave us tonight.

This light, well-balanced red used to be a staple in our “wine cellar”; we never bought by the case but nevertheless in good quantity and/or frequency.  Our local NJ liquor store then started overpricing this California Pinot Noir, and we consequently started to explore other Bordeaux and Pinot options.  Despite missing the Mark West varietal, this market dynamic did ultimately compel my wife and I to find other good wines so it’s not all bad news here.

This evening, we’re having the 2011 Mark West Pinot Noir with an apple-blue cheese salad, “Golden Blend” quinoa, and herb-encrusted chicken breasts, pounded nice and flat for easy cookin’ and gnoshin’.  Smells fantastic and I’m sure this last glass of French- and Hungarian-oak aged red will nicely accompany our spread.  This is night three of the Mark West, and it was perfect on night two when it had had a chance to breath but not too much.  We’ll see you again, my friend…

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2010 Summation Red Wine Blend, Kendall-Jackson

Something about a “red wine blend” from Kendall-Jackson sounded good when I saw it in the local grocery store (I know, still sounds weird to me too) and on this occasion those instincts were right on the money.  The 2010 Summation Red Wine Blend, Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve is a fantastic bargain–a $15 wine that packs a much richer profile into its KL label.

We all know the Kendall-Jackson crest so forgive me for skipping the photo on this occasion.  I’m fairly confident I detected lack cherry, hints of vanilla, and some definite oak aging?  It was jammy and smooooth…so very smooth.  The winemaker offers the following:

“Smoother than Cabernet Sauvignon, richer than Merlot, more balanced than Zinfandel, this red wine blend offers intriguing flavors and aromas: roasted coffee, dark chocolate, pomegranate, and black cherry intertwine to offer a multi-layered mouthfeel and sumptuous texture.”

The Kennedy Center honors (amazing performers that prompted us to explore past years’ musicians with equal zeal) provided a great backdrop; the Summation’s was even better.  Definitely interested in putting my hands on a substantial quantity of this fine red offering.

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2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine, Folie a Deux Winery

Great ambiance this evening as we break into the 2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine from the Folie a Deux Winery in Napa, California.  Check out the lighting and the setting here as we close out a fun weekend…

2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine, Folie a Deux Winery, Napa Valley, California, USA.

2012 Menage a Trois, California Red Wine, Folie a Deux Winery, Napa Valley, California, USA.

…and thus makes me sad to report that the 2012 Menage a Trois California Red Wine was either mishandled by us or just failed to live up to its billing.  We had this red blend–a mix of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cab–with steak, fresh asparagus, and “gourmet” potato crowns.  It was fruity–SO fruity.  There’s a definite red berry deluge in the Menage, one that is actually a bit too sweet for my taste.  The Menage I wouldn’t classify as a table wine, or a dessert wine, but it definitely overpowered my taste buds before and with dinner.

Here’s what the winery says of their Red Wine: “Fresh, ripe, jamlike fruit that is the calling card of California wine.  A delightful blend based on three varietals–Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.”

I’m not sure that I share the ‘delightful’ thinking.  I’m no wine snob and thus report that the 2012 Menage was purchased at Wal-Mart–even was double-charged for it, adding insult to injury–but I won’t be going back for another one of these.  As odd as it is to say, it’s just too fruity.

Postscript:  Given the above, I only had a single glass of the Menage upon first tasting.  When I revisited the following night, the 2012 Menage a Trois had “settled down” and was much easier to drink.  Lost some of the sugary vibe and made me rethink if I was at fault for the less favorable first tasting experience?

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2011 Zinfandel, Private Reserve, Sonoma County, Buena Vista

The 2011 Zinfandel, Private Reserve Sonoma County (Buena Vista) stayed over with us for a couple of nights.  On the first, this spicy Zin complemented a delicious meal of pork chops, deftly ployed with a savory mustard sauce, and some leftover mashed potatoes that were just as creamy as last Saturday night when we first enjoyed them.  I had passed on opening this bottle several times since receiving but finally broke down and gave it a go this week.

Many of you know of my unrefined palate, know that Notes is just a passing fancy, something to reference and steer me right when I’m next ordering from a wine list or in the store buying.  To you, I’ll say the 2011 Zinfandel Private Reserve had some immediately noticeable spices in it.  I thought the fruit flavor might be cranberry…some red berry that was a little heavier than the raspberry or strawberry of a Pinot Noir, a bit more peppery than a Bordeaux…but really good nevertheless…both with the pork chops and pepperoni pizza the following night.

If you’re a more serious visitor, I sort of wonder how you found this blog (or why you’re still reading!) but still share here the winemaker’s original intentions for the 2011 Zinfandel, Private Reserve: “A beautifully rich, ruby colored wine, the nose opens with expressive aromas of black plum, blueberry, and notes of freshly cracked pepper. Fine tannins, incredible structure, and stunning balance lead to a velvety mouthfeel and a long, satisfying finish.”

If you go with a Buena Vista, you’re bound to be on the right track…this one is no exception and you’ll enjoy.

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2009 Elenora’s Selection Chardonnay, Buena Vista

Any week that has Buena Vista in it is better than one without.  I’m much less a fan of white wines than I am reds, but when you’re going with a Chardonnay produced by one of the country’s most storied vineyards you’re in good hands throughout your tasting experience.  Our bottle was #1259, and she was drawn from one of 348 cases produced.  Here’s the playbook from the folks at Buena Vista:

2009 Elenora's Selection Chardonnay, Buena Vista, Sonoma County, California, USA.

2009 Elenora’s Selection Chardonnay, Buena Vista, Sonoma County, California, USA.

“The 2009 Elenora’s Selection Chardonnay displays a spicy bouquet of citrus and ripe pear while bright fruit flavors and great acidity give the wine depth and balance.  A creamy texture and rich flavors of Golden Delicious apples and peaches are brilliantly showcased in this distinctive wine.”

Elenora was with us for meals both divine (i.e., salmon with a dijon mustard and oregano sauce) and homespun (i.e., PB&J with chicken noodle soup), and acquitted herself with grace and dignity in each.  The 2009 Elenora’s Selection Chardonnay from Buena Vista is rich in color, more like apple juice than the glassy spring color of a Pinot Gris, and definitely packs in the pear/citrus combination in equal measures.  It’s easy to drink and easier to appreciate.

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Schug 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Fantastic meal to finish off this freezing January week–and featuring the Schug 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.  The wine is great, packed with red fruit smells that have to include some cherries for sure.  We cracked it to precede a fresh fish, a salmon that my wife selected right from the market, and she dressed it with a lip-smacking dijon mustard sauce that added just the right amount of zip.  A little fresh green beans and voila!

I know you’re raising an eyebrow on the Schug with a fish.  Not quite the usual approach, but then again we’re not usual.  And truth be told, the red was really dead by the time we finished hors d’oeuvres anyways.  Stay tuned for more information on the Chardonnay that followed closely on its heals.

The wine seller remarked, “Fresh aromas of primarily red fruit, especially cherries and raspberries…on the palette, dark raspberries, cranberry, pomegranate, and nutmeg.”  I don’t detect any strawberries in here (glad) and am pleased that I got at least a light sniff right on the cherries.  Still, the nutmeg escapes me…

…but a very easy-going Friday night standard.  Last one of this series.

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Schug 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, California, USA.

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2009 Madonna Estate Reserve, Pinot Noir

Glad to include the 2009 Madonna Estate Reserve in this year’s list of holiday treats.  This delicious Pinot Noir, crafted in Napa Valley, we busted out to accompany soup and salads–a much-needed change of pace after all the rich foods of the Christmas celebration.  Harvest vegetables, mixed with a rich blend of seasonings and spices, simmered in a big soup pot with some tender chicken; the soup accompanied a light salad (I had mine without dressing) of greens, fresh pears, and dried fruit–and the Madonna Estate Reserve.

2009 Madonna Estate Reserve, Pinot Noir, Napa, California, USA.

2009 Madonna Estate Reserve, Pinot Noir, Napa, California, USA.

I’ve read some unflattering remarks about the 2008 vintage, but the 2009 seemed excellent.  It was light, nuanced, and easy on the tongue.  This Carneros Pinot Noir helped flush a less-than-great (apologies for failing to document it here in Notes) Cab/Merlot blend from my Christmas Day memories and instilled itself as my favorite from our Rochester trip.  It’s hues were deeper red than those of my Buena Vista favorites; while I prefer those Sonoma options that’s a tough comparison for many varietals so no stone throwing against the Madonna Estate.

I’d love to link you to the winemaker’s website for additional details but seems like a non-functioning URL so you’ll have to double back again sometime soon.  Just as I hope to with this Pinot.  Enjoy…