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Winery of the Week:
Testa Vineyards - Mendocino County

By FBWorld Team

Testa Vineyards has a long history, dating back to 1912 when the ranch was established by Gaetano and Maria Testa. Gaetano bought the land in the town of Calpella because it reminded him his home in Italy. The whole Testa family worked side by side to clear the land and then plant their first vines.

Today's generation of the family carries on the tradition, growing the varieties Carignane, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera, Grenache and Charbono on the Testa Ranch.

Here's what our tasting panel thought about a handful of their current offerings:

Click on labels to enlarge

Testa 2011 White (Blend)
Winery: Testa Vineyards
Grape(s): 45% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Chenin Blanc, 7% Viogner, & 3% Muscat
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 15-20

Review:
Fragrances of honeydew, pear, and citrus rise up from a glass. Tangerine, melon, and pear flavors mingle with inklings of honey on the palate. A rich white with a hint of sweetness that makes it very approachable, it's sure to please a crowd. 220 cases were made.
Rating: 89

Testa 2011 Charbono
Winery: Testa Vineyards
Grape(s): 90% Charbono & 10% Petite Sirah
Region: Mendocino County

Year: 2011

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 35-40

Review:
Aromas of cherries, currants, and plums mingle with hints of earth on the nose. Flavors of cherry, cassis, and red plum unfold into notes of leather, minerals, and herbs on the palate. Smooth, bright and fruit-driven, it's a pleasant wine to sip on its own or enjoy with a lighter pasta. 150 cases produced.
Rating: 88

Testa 2010 "Black Tre" Red Blend
Winery: Testa Vineyards
Grape(s): 39% '10 Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% '10 Carignane, 24% '10 Petite Sirah, 5% 09 Black"Due"
Region: Mendocino County

Year: 2010

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 15-30

Review:
Aromatics of black cherries, bramble fruit, and plums are accented by hints of forest floor and leather on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of cherry, blackberry, and currants along with notes of dusty earth. Smooth and supple with plush tannins, fans of rich red blends should try this bottle. 370 cases were made.
Rating: 88

Testa 2010 Carignane
Winery: Testa Vineyards
Grape(s): 95% Carignane & 5% Petite Sirah
Region: Mendocino County

Year: 2010

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: (n/a)
Price: 25-30

Review:
A bouquet of bing cherries, raspberries, red currants, and earth greets the senses. A sip reveals flavors of plum, blackberry, and cherry that interweave with suggestion of minerals. A bright, lively red with apple fruit, enjoy a bottle with your favorite lamb dish. 151 cases produced.
Rating: 89

By Jason Barlow

Ratings Key:
96 — 100
Spectacular
92 — 95
Outstanding
89 — 91
Great
85 — 88
Good
81 — 84
Solid

 

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