Wines
of the Week: California Rhone
Rhone
grape varieties thrive in Northern California. From
El Dorado County in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains to
the rolling hills of Paso Robles, there are rich, fruit-driven
wines to be found. So whether you're a fan of Grenache, Viognier,
or blends, something will surely please your palate.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Hearst
Ranch 2012 "Three Sisters Cuvee" Red
Winery:
Hearst Ranch
Grape(s): 52% Grenache, 43% Syrah, and
5% Mourvèdre
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Fragrances of strawberries, plums, and raspberries meld
with nuances of spice and vanilla on the nose. The palate
delivers flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry
that interweave with all-spice and vanilla. A light red
with silky tannins, enjoy a bottle with grilled salmon.
Rating: 88 |
|
Hearst
Ranch 2013 "Three Sisters Cuvee" White
Winery:
Hearst Ranch
Grape(s): 42% Viognier, 24% Marsanne,
21% Grenache Blanc, 11% Roussanne, & 2% Picpoul Blanc
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Apricot, peach, and citrus aromas meld with nuances of
white blossoms and honey on the nose. Peach, lemon, and
apricot flavors emerge on the palate along with traces
of white pepper and honeysuckle. A slightly creamy white
with lively mineral highlights, fans of lush, Rhone-style
blends ought to try this bottle.
Rating: 89 |
|
Sierra
Vista 2013 Grenache
Winery:
Sierra Vista
Grape(s): 100% Grenache
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromas of strawberries and plums mingle with hints of
spice and vanilla on the nose. A sip offers flavors of
plum, strawberry, and raspberry that open up into notes
of minerals, vanilla, and white pepper. A light, bright
wine with silky tannins, fans of easy-drinking reds will
ought to try this bottle. 120 cases were made.
Rating: 88 |
|
Sierra
Vista 2013 Viognier
Winery:
Sierra
Vista
Grape(s): 100%
Viognier
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Fragrances of tropical fruit and peach combine with floral
nuances on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of apricot,
peach, and mango that interweaves with traces of honeysuckle
and sweet spice. A chalky, floral white, it will pair
nicely with semi-sweet Chinese take out dishes. 251 cases
produced.
Rating: 87 |
|
Fenestra
2011 Grenache
Winery:
Fenestra
Grape(s): 98% Grenache & 2% Syrah
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Year:
2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Notes of strawberries, cherries, and plums mingle with
suggestions of spice and vanilla on the nose. A sip delivers
flavors of strawberry, pomegranate, and plum that unfold
into allusions of pepper and vanilla. A light, bright
red with plush tannins, sip it on its own or enjoy a bottle
with Spanish tapas. 179 cases produced.
Rating: 88 |
|
Mount
Aukum 2009 Petite Sirah
Winery:
Mount Aukum
Grape(s): 100% Petite Sirah
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Year:
2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries
combine with traces of sweet spice and pepper on the nose.
A sip offers flavors of bramble fruit and cherry that
mingle with hints of vanilla and spice on the palate.
Dark and smooth with plush tannins, fans of lush Petite
Sirah will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89 |
|
Ventana
2013 "Rubystone" Blend
Winery:
Ventana
Grape(s): 60% Grenache & 40% Syrah
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, plum, and raspberries meld
with pepper and creamy oak on the nose. Blackberry, cherry,
and pomegranate flavors are accented by nuances of spice,
minerals, and vanilla on the palate. A dark, supple wine,
it will pair nicely with lamb burgers.
Rating: 89 |
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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