Wines
of the Week: Central Coast Sips
By FBWorld Team
The
Central Coast of California is home to some wonderful
up-and-coming wine regions. Any notion that all the top-notch
Californian wines come from Napa or Sonoma is simply untrue.
Just take a look at the fine examples from Monterey County and
Paso Robles that our panel tasted recently. Cheers!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
McIntyre
2012 Estate Chardonnay
Winery:
McIntyre
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
A bouquet of red apple, pear, vanilla, and all-spice rises
up from a glass. Flavors of apple, dried pineapple, and
pear along with notes of creamy oak, sweet spice, and
hazelnut emerge on the palate. A rich Chardonnay, with
a welcoming acidity, enjoy a bottle on its own before
dinner or pair it with lobster bisque. 792 cases were
made.
Rating: 90 |
|
McIntyre
2012 Block K1 Chardonnay
Winery:
McIntyre
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromas of peach, pear, and key lime mingle with suggestions
of vanilla and hazelnut on the nose. A sip delivers flavors
of peach, pineapple, and lime accented by notes of caramel
and hazelnut. A rich, layered Chardonnay, this is a bottle
to enjoy with special company. Just 100 cases produced.
Rating: 91 |
|
McIntyre
2012 Estate Pinot Noir
Winery:
McIntyre
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries and cherries mingle with notes
of cola, vanilla, and game on the nose. The palate delivers
flavors of plum and black cherry with accents of cola
and sweet spice. An elegant red with a friendly acidity,
fans of smooth Pinots will enjoy this bottle. 340 cases
were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
McIntyre
2012 Merlot
Winery:
McIntyre
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromas of cherries, plums, and blackberries meld with
suggestions of minerals and creamy oak on the nose. Cherry
and bramble fruit flavors are accented by nuances toasty
oak and dusty earth on the palate. Supple tannins and
ripe berry flavors make this Merlot a step above many
on the market. 333 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Mercy
Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Mercy Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of raspberries, strawberries, and cherries meld
with hints of game and forest floor. The palate offers
flavors of strawberry, black cherry, and raspberry mouse
that are accented by notes of dusty earth, Asian spice,
and smoked meat. A heartier Pinot, a food friendly acidity
and medium body, try a bottle with pork chops or portabella
mushrooms. 815 cases produced.
Rating: 87 |
|
Pomar
Junction 2011 Reserve Zinfandel
Winery:
Pomar Junction
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 50-55
Review:
Aromas of boysenberries and raspberries mingle with notes
of white pepper and minerals. A sip delivers flavors of
plum, raspberry and boysenberry along with highlight of
pepper and dusty earth. A fairly bright, peppery Zin,
it will pair nicely with your favorite pizza or Mexican
dish. Only 69 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Pomar
Junction 2011 'The Crossing" GSM
Winery:
Pomar Junction
Grape(s): 40% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache,
& 30% Syrah
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 40-45
Review:
Aromatics of cherries, plums, and blackberries come together
with nuances of spice, rosemary, and vanilla on the nose.
The palate offers flavors of cherry, pomegranate, and
blackberry accented by hints of pepper, rose petal, and
caramel. Supple, dark, and layered, try a bottle with
lamb. 242 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Sculpterra
Winery 2010 Maquette
Winery:
Sculpterra Winery
Grape(s): 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32%
Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, & 3% Malbec
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, blueberries and cassis mingle
with suggestions of cedar and baking spice on the nose.
Flavors of blackberry, currants, blueberry come together
with notes of earth, mint, and smokey oak on the palate.
A mouth-filling blend with supple tannins and ample dark
fruit, it's an ideal wine to enjoy with red meat. 222
cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Sculpterra
Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Sculpterra Winery
Grape(s): 87% Cabernet Sauvignon &
13% Merlot
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, boysenberries, and black currants
unfold into hints of vanilla and roses on the nose. The
palate delivers flavors of bramble fruit, black cherry,
and cassis that meld with nuances of creamy oak, rose
petals, and mint leaves. A nice structure and a fine acidity
make this a Cab that will improve with age, lay a bottle
down for a few years and enjoy. 301 cases produced.
Rating: 88 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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