Wines
of the Week: Mitchell Katz Winery
Mitchell
Katz is learning to embrace change. After all, it's
happening everywhere around him. For one, harvest in the Livermore
Valley seems to keep getting later and later each year, but
Mitch has found ways to adjust to the challenges that presents.
Also, he's always put his heart and soul into making red wines
but found it a challenge to do the same for his whites. Now,
though, Mitch has a gained a new appreciation for white wines
and is putting just as much of himself into them. And finally,
while his current spot atop Ruby Hill has been the winery's
home for years, Mitch has accepted that it, too, must change.
He's simply looking forward to 2013 when the winery's new location
on Tesla Road will open.
Even
with these changes, Mitch is still the same guy. He still wears
his heart on his sleeve. He's still a straight shooter when
he speaks, and he still greets visitors to his winery like old
friends. Plus, most importantly, he's still making some very
enjoyable wines.
Mitchell
Katz Winery Label Reviews
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Mitchell
Katz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Grape(s):
Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)
Winery: Mitchell Katz
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2007
Special Designation: Falling Star Vineyard
Price:
50-55
Review:
Aromas of blackberries and cassis meld with notes of chocolate,
vanilla, and clove on the nose. A sip reveals flavors
of blackberry, blueberry, and a bright note of cherry
before finishing with suggestions of sweet spice and dark
chocolate. A more elegant style Cab, with plush tannins
and a rich character, it's for fans of reds offering sweeter
barrel notes.
Rating: 90
Character: dark fruit,
rich mouthfeel, balanced tannins
Farming Certification: (none) |
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Mitchell
Katz Sangiovese 2009
Grape(s):
Sangiovese (97%) & Cabernet
(3%)
Winery: Mitchell Katz
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Grimes Vines (Loves
Series)
Price:
25-30
Review:
A bouquet of ripe cherries, plums, and strawberries along
with suggestions of sweet spices rise from a glass. The
palate offers flavors of cherry, dark raspberry, and strawberry
with accents of spice, toasty oak, and dark chocolate.
A fuller, richer wine than many of its Italian counterparts,
fans of mouth-filling Super-Tuscans should try this bottle.
Rating: 88
Character: dark fruit,
balanced tannins, supple mouthfeel
Farming Certification: (none) |
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Mitchell
Katz Petite Sirah 2009
Grape(s):
Petite Sirah (100%)
Winery: Mitchell Katz
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Clark's Conner
Price:
20-25
Review:
Dark cherry and blackberry aromas are accented by hints
of sweet spice, pepper, and dark chocolate on the nose.
Flavors of blackberries and black cherries merge with
suggestions of musty oak, clove, and pepper on the palate.
Nicely structured but not big and robust, it's geared
for fans of rich reds with a slightly sweet barrel character.
Rating: 90
Character: dark fruit,
supple mouthfeel, rich tannins
Farming Certification: (none) |
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Mitchell
Katz Shiraz 2009
Grape(s):
Shiraz (Syrah)
Winery: Mitchell Katz
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Abboud's Acres
Price:
20-25
Review:
On the nose, aromas of cherries, plums, and raspberries
mingle with suggestions of clove and cinnamon. Blackberry,
black cherry, and raspberry flavors meld with notes of
spices, vanilla cola, and a few earthy, woodsy hints.
It's a rich, voluminous wine driven by fruit and sweet
spices. If you're looking for pepper, it's not here, but
fans of fruitier, mouth-filling reds will really enjoy
this bottle.
Rating: 90
Character: dark fruit,
supple mouthfeel, balanced tannins
Farming Certification: (none) |
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Mitchell
Katz Chardonnay 2010
Grape(s):
Chardonnay (100%)
Winery: Mitchell Katz
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: Shadow Hills
Price:
15-20
Review:
Aromatics of creamy, toasty oak along with notes of pear
and tropical fruit rise up from a glass. The palate offers
flavors of rich vanilla, pear, and pineapple with a few
hints of gram-cracker. A fairly round wine, with a supple
mouthfeel, it's for fans of approachable, creamy Chardonnays.
Rating: 90
Character: dark fruit,
balanced tannins, creamy mouthfeel
Farming Certification: (none) |
|
Mitchell
Katz Pinot Gris 2010
Grape(s):
Pinot Gris (100%)
Winery: Mitchell Katz
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: Buttner Vineyards
Price:
10-15
Review:
Notes of apple, melon, and citrus fruit mingle with hints
of honey and white-blossoms. A sip reveals flavors of
green apple and honeydew that are rounded out by suggestions
of honey and orange blossoms. Not bone dry and crisp like
so many Italian Pinot Grigos, this wine has a rounder
mouthfeel and more lush fruit. It's for fans of softer,
approachable whites.
Rating: 88
Character: lush fruit,
supple mouthfeel, mellow acidity
Farming Certification: (none) |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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http://mitchellkatzwinery.com
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