Our
Favorite (Under the Radar) Wineries & Winemakers
- Part 6 - Ampelos Cellars
By FBWorld Team
If
not for a canceled meeting at the World Trade Center
on the morning of September 11, 2001, Ampelos Cellars may not
exist. Lucky for Rebecca and Peter Work, not only did they escape
the tragic events of that day, they were also inspired to finally
purse their dream of opening up a winery.
Over
a decade later, Ampelos Cellars is a gem in the Sta. Rita Hills.
On top of making great wine, they are proud to be the first
vineyard in the United States to be certified organic, biodynamic,
and sustainability in practice. Really, it's the wonderful things
Rebecca and Peter do for the planet and for the palate makes
Ampelos Cellars one of our favorite wineries.
Here's
what our panel though about a few of their current releases:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Ampelos
2009 "Lambda" Pinot Noir
Winery:
Ampelos
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Santa Barbara County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, raspberries, and boysenberries
mingle with accents of clove and cola on the nose. A sip
reveals flavors of bramble fruit and cherry that flow
into notes of all-spice, cola, and white pepper. A smooth
Pinot with a welcoming acidity, fans of lighter, layered
reds will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 90 |
 |
Ampelos
2009 "Gamma" Syrah
Winery:
Ampelos
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Santa Barbara County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
A bouquet of blackberries, plums, and black cherries melds
with suggestions of leather, spice, and cocoa on the nose.
Flavors of blackberry, cherry, and blueberry unfold into
notes of pepper, dark chocolate, and rose petals on the
palate. Smooth and rich, with lovely highlights of spice,
Cali-Rhone lovers are sure to enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 91 |
 |
Ampelos
2012 "Phi" Viognier
Winery:
Ampelos
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Santa Barbara County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 85-90
Review:
Aromas of tropical fruit and peach come together with
rich floral notes on the nose. The palate delivers flavors
of apricot, mango, and key lime along with hints of honey-suckle.
Rich and floral, yet still offering a fresh acidity and
bright fruit flavors, fans of Viognier will find plenty
to like here.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|
