Our
Favorite (Under the Radar) Wineries & Winemakers -
Part 7 - Nottingham Cellars
By FBWorld Team
Nottingham
Cellars winemaker Collin Cranor is one of the youngest
in the Livermore Valley. In fact, he looks like most 20-something
guys these days in his flat brimmed baseball caps. But don't
let his appearance fool you; he makes some of the best wine
in the region. Collin is especially focused on the potential
of the Rhone varieties grown in the area and will be launching
a new brand dedicated to them in the not too distance future.
Until then, one can enjoy his current Rhone Blend, "Awakening",
along with his other excellent wines.
Here's what we thought about a few of Nottingham's present offerings::
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Nottingham
Cellars 2011 Awakening
Winery:
Nottingham Cellars
Grape(s): 54% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 17%
Mourvdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
Strawberry, cherry, and blackberry aromas mingle with
hints of pepper, dark chocolate, and all-spice on the
nose. The palate delivers flavors of cherries, blackberries,
and pomegranate, accented by suggestions of pepper, leather,
and mocha. A rich wine that's nicely layered, it's an
excellent example a California GSM. 225 cases produced.
Rating: 91 |
 |
Nottingham
Cellars 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Nottingham Cellars
Grape(s): 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 45-50
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, cassis, and black cherries mingle
with notes of dark chocolate, clove, and oak on the nose.
A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and cherry
that unfold into nuances of sweet spice and mocha. A rich,
smooth wine with plush tannins, it's sure to hit the spot
with any Cab lover. 168 cases were made.
Rating: 91 |
 |
Nottingham
Cellars 2010 Supremacy
Winery:
Nottingham Cellars
Grape(s): 67% Cabernet, 24% Petite Verdot,
4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet franc, & 2% Malbec
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 55-60
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, cherries, and plums are accented
by notes of coffee, chocolate, and sweet oak on the nose.
Blackberry, cherry, and cassis flavors emerge on the palate
along with hints of toasty vanilla, all-spice, and earth.
A rich wine with supple tannins, it has the structure
to hold up to your favorite red meat now or to develop
nicely in your cellar. 168 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|
