Winery
of the Week:
Maple Creek - Mendocino County
By FBWorld Team
Maple
Creek Winey is located along the twists and turns of
Highway 128 that cuts a path through the Yorkville Highlands.
There, winemaker Tom Rodrigues loves to paint, and he makes
use of that artistic talent to create the images on his "Artevino"
and estate wine labels. Of course, Tom also has a real artistic
touch with his wines.
Here's
what our tasting panel had to say about a few of his current
offerings:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Maple
Creek 2012 Chardonnay
Winery:
Maple Creek Winey
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
A bouquet of golden apples, ripe pears, and toasty vanilla
greets the senses. The palate reveals flavors of baked
pear and tart apple accented by suggestions of caramel
and creamy oak. A crisp, mouth-filling Chardonnay with
a welcoming acidity, it would complement a lobster bisque
nicely. 320 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Maple
Creek 2007 Merlot
Winery:
Maple Creek Winey
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2007
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromas of bramble fruit and cherries come together with
a hints of earth and toasty oak on the nose. Flavors of
black cherry, plum, and blackberry meld with notes of
earth and cedar on the palate. A smooth Merlot with plush
tannins, fans of rather dry, slightly earthy reds should
try this bottle. 191 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Maple
Creek "Artevino" 2012 Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir
Winery:
Maple Creek Winey
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 45-50
Review:
Aromatics of plums and cherries mingle with nuances of
earth and sweet spice on the nose. Black cherry, plum,
and strawberry flavors unfold into suggestions of cola,
minerals, and cinnamon on the palate. A light, bright
Pinot Noir, enjoy a bottle with a mushroom risotto. 160
cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|