Wines
of the Week:
Pacific Heights & Cloudfall from Trinchero Family Estates
Pacific
Heights wines are a collection that capture the coast, focusing
on Russian River Chardonnay and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir as new
part of the Trinchero Family Estates portfolio. Cloudfall wines
are inspired by the collaboration between Winemaker, Christine
Marchi and Trinchero's Executive Chef, James Houghton. The duo
works together to create ideal pairing choices for fresh California
cuisine.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Cloudfall
2015 Chardonnay
Winery:
Trinchero Family Estates
Grape(s): 91% Chardonnay & 9% Viognier
Region: Monterey County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromas of green apples, Meyer lemons, and tropical fruits
combine with traces of sweet spice and toasty vanilla
on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of pineapple, lemon,
and apple that unfold into elements of marzipan and clove.
A Chardonnay with a nice rich, mouthfeel that has a lovely
balance of fruit and barrel influence, open a bottle with
crab cakes.
Rating: 91 |
|
Pacific
Heights 2015 Chardonnay
Winery:
Trinchero Family Estates
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Russian River Valley, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromatics of pears, apples, and honeydew mingle with suggestions
of vanilla and buttery oak on the nose. A sip reveals
ripe pear, green apple, and sweet melon flavors, along
with accents of creamy vanilla and toasty oak. Round but
still a bit crisp on the palate, it's a fine wine to enjoy
with swordfish.
Rating: 89 |
|
Cloudfall
2015 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Trinchero Family Estates
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Monterey County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Fragrances of honeydews, grapefruits, peaches, and grass
greet the senses. The palate showcases flavors of melon,
peach, and pineapple, alongside notes of lemon zest and
fresh herbs. A friendly acidity and a nice full-mouthfeel
make this wine a fine choice to pair with baked sole in
a slightly creamy sauce.
Rating: 89 |
|
Cloudfall
2015 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Trinchero Family Estates
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
A bouquet of cherries, strawberries, cola, and spicy earth
rises up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of strawberry,
cherry, and raspberry that flow into undertones of sweet
spice, earth, and white pepper. Polished tannins and opulent
fruit make this a very compelling Pinot Noir.
Rating: 90 |
|
Pacific
Heights 2015 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Trinchero Family Estates
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma Coast, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Notes of raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate mingle with
expressions of smoked meat, white pepper, and on the nose.
Flavors of cherries, raspberries, and plum emerge on the
palate, coalescing with highlights of spice, smoked meat,
and tea. With supple tannins and a fairly hearty character,
lamb chops would be a lovely pairing.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|