Wines
of the Week: S.I.P Certified Whites & Rosé
In
the wine industry,
the notion of sustainability, or striving to produce every vintage
in a way which benefits the land, the air, and the workers over
the long term, has seen dramatic growth in popularity over the
past ten years. And, out in California, the Central Coast Vineyard
Team is dedicated to supporting wineries making those efforts.
They have even developed a set of standards to help define what
steps producers must take to achieve sustainability, and they
have organized a third-party verified to be certified as meeting
those standards. Wines that are certified can proudly display
the Sustainability-in-Practice or SIP Seal
on their labels. So help save our planet by drinking these S.I.P
Certified wines this summer!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Tangent
2013 Paragon Vineyard Albarino
Winery:
Tangent
Grape(s): 100% Albarino
Region: Edna Valley, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of grapefruit, lime, tangerine, and wet stone
rises up from a glass. The palate delivers flavors of
grapefruit and tangerine that are framed by mineral notes.
It has a vibrant acidity but is still fairly round, making
it an fine match for a fresh shrimp pasta in a white wine
sauce. 5,400 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Tangent
2013 Paragon Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Tangent
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Edna Valley, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Aromas of grapefruit, green apple, and gooseberry mingle
with suggestions of grass and minerals on the nose. A
sip reveals flavors of citrus fruits and tart apples accented
by mineral and herbaceous traces. Crisp, bright, and refreshing,
enjoy a bottle with grilled herb chicken. 22,500 cases
were made.
Rating: 88 |
|
Castoro
Cellars 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Castoro Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Edna Valley, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Fragrances of apples, pears, and pineapple greet the senses.
Flavors of lime, pineapple, and green apple emerge on
the palate, along with hints of minerals. Peppy, with
vivid flavors and a nice zesty acidity, it's a fine Sauvignon
Blanc, especially for $15 a bottle. 5,800 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Claiborne
& Churchill 2013 Dry Riesling
Winery:
Claiborne & Churchill
Grape(s): 100% Riesling
Region: Edna Valley, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of pear, peach, and apricot interweave with
a notes of sweet spice and minerals on the nose. With
a sip, flavors of Asian pear, peach, and Meyer lemon unfold
into nuances of minerals and white pepper. A balanced
acidity and bright flavors make this wine perfect to sip
on a warm spring day. 210 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Claiborne
& Churchill 2014 Pinot Gris
Winery:
Claiborne & Churchill
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Gris
Region: Arroyo Grande Valley,
Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Notes of white peach, melon, and ripe pear rise up from
a glass. The palate unfurls flavors of peach, pear, and
honeydew, along with traces of white spice and minerals.
Refreshing and fairly brisk, it's a choice for an aperitif.
458 cases were made.
Rating: 88 |
|
Pomar
Junction 2014 Syrah Rosé
Winery:
Pomar Junction
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Bright cherries, ripe raspberries, and fresh watermelon
aromas greet the senses. Raspberry, strawberry, watermelon
flavors emerge on the palate along with hints of minerals.
A fairly light Rosé, enjoy a bottle on a warm day
at the beach. 309 cases were made.
Rating: 86 |
|
Pomar
Junction 2014 Viognier
Winery:
Pomar Junction
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
A bouquet of white peach and mango is accented by highlights
of honey and white blossoms on the nose. The palate offers
flavors of mango, peach, and citrusy notes that flow into
overtones of springtime flowers. Fans of crisp, floral
whites ought to try this bottle. 419 cases produced.
Rating: 88 |
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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