Wines
of the Week: S.I.P Certified Pinot Noir
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) process for wineries
to be certified as meeting those standards. Wines that are certified
can proudly display the Sustainability-in-Practice or SIP Seal
on their labels. Recently, our tasting panel sampled some of
the Pinot Noirs that proudly display that certification.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Ampelos
2011"Lambada" Pinot Noir
Winery:
Ampelos
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Santa Barbera County, Ca
Year:
2011
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
A bouquet of bramble fruit, cola, and earthy spice greets
the senses. The palate reveals flavors of raspberry, blackberry,
and bing cherry accented by hints of minerals, cola, and
baking spice. Light yet lively, with a fresh acidity,
enjoy a bottle with pork tenderloin. About 900 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
 |
Riverbench
2012 Estate Pinot Noir
Winery:
Riverbench
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Santa Barbera County, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of cherries, plums, and raspberries mingle with
traces of sweet spice, vanilla, and cedar on the nose.
A sip delivers flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry
that open up into whispers of all-spice, minerals, and
toasty oak. A supple Pinot with mineral highlights, it's
an ideal wine to enjoy with baked ham. 569 cases were
made.
Rating: 90 |
 |
Baileyana
2013 "Firepeak" Pinot Noir
Winery:
Baileyana
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo,
Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Fragrances of cherries and bramble fruit meld with vanilla
and floral suggestions on the nose. Flavors of cherry,
raspberry, and blackberry unfold into nuances of violet,
cola, and game on the palate. Fans of plush tannins and
vibrant flavors ought to try this bottle. 13,700 cases
producded.
Rating: 88 |
 |
Pomar
Junction 2012 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Pomar Junction
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromatics of raspberries, plums, and bing cherry come
together with a notes of earth on the nose. With a sip,
flavors of bright cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate combine
with allusions of earth and spice. Lively flavors and
a welcoming acidity, make this a fine wine to pair with
grilled salmon. 360 cases were made.
Rating: 87 |
 |
Wrath
2012 "Swan/828" Pinot Noir
Winery:
Wrath
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Santa
Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
The nose offers notes of bramble fruits and blueberries
that interweave with floral and vanilla bean hints. Blueberry,
blackberry, and plum flavors unfold into suggestions of
cola, rose petal, and earth on the palate. Supple and
dark, with plush tannins, open a bottle with a mushroom
risotto. 329 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
 |
Sostener
2013 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Sostener
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Santa Lucia Highlands,
Monterey County, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: SIP
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Blackberry, raspberry, and cherry aromas fuse with accents
of cola and sweet spice on the nose. A sip delivers flavors
of cherries and bramble fruits that flow into overtones
of vanilla, earth, and white pepper. A bright acidity
and rich flavors make this a nice, approachable Pinot,
especially for under $20. 3,000 cases were made.
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 |
|
|
