Wines
of the Week:
Byington - Santa Cruz Mountains, Ca
Located
on a beautiful, 95 acre plot with striking architecture
and stunning views of the surrounding mountains as well as Monterey
Bay, one could visit Byington Vineyards & Winery
simply to take in the scenery of the place. But on top of the
visual delights, they also produce some top-notch wines. What
could possibly be better?
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Byington
2013 "Block 4" Pinot Noir
Winery:
Byington Vineyards & Winery
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Santa
Cruz Mountains, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Aromas of cherries, strawberries, and cranberries meld
with elements of earth and spice on the nose. Flavors
of cranberry, bing cherry, and strawberry combine with
notes of white pepper and minerals on the palate. A lively
acidity and red fruit flavors make this a fine pairing
for roast duck. 165 cases produced.
Rating: 91 |
|
Byington
2014 "Blanc" Chardonnay
Winery:
Byington Vineyards & Winery
Grape(s): Chardonnay with a small portion
of Sauvingon Blanc & Viognier
Region: California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A bouquet of tart apple, crisp pear, and citrus blossoms
greet the senses. The palate reveals flavors of lemons,
apples, and pears that interweave with hints of spring
flowers and cream. With a fresh acidity and bright flavors,
this isn't an overly buttery, oaky Chardonnay. Fans of
crisper whites ought to try a bottle, especially give
the price. 321 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Byington
2013 Honey Church Vineyard Viognier
Winery:
Byington Vineyards & Winery
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Shenandoah Valley, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of tropical fruits, peaches, and lemons are
accented by whispers of spring flowers and candied nuts.
With a sip, peach, passion fruit, and citrus flavors flow
into nuances of honeysuckle and vanilla. Rich and floral,
it's a fine example of a California Viognier. 185 cases
produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Byington
Byington 2013 Wrights Station Vineyards Chardonnay
Winery:
Byington Vineyards & Winery
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Notes of golden apple and ripe pear combine with suggestions
of butterscotch and barrel spice on the nose. A sip delivers
flavors of honey crisp apple and pear that open up into
traces of buttery oak and sweet spice. With a lovely mouthfeel
and welcoming acidity, it's sure to please many Chardonnay
lovers. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Byington
2013 Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose
Winery:
Byington Vineyards & Winery
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Fragrances of cherry, strawberry, and sweet watermelon
rise up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of
sweet red berries that unfold into allusions of citrus
peal and minerals. Easy going, it's ideal for your next
picnic.
Rating: 87 |
See
more at: (click
here)
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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