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Yorkville
Cellars 2009 Eleanor of Aquitaine
Grape(s):
Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon
Winery: Yorkville Cellars
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Eleanor of Aquitaine
Price: 20-25
Review:
Lovely aromas of critus fruits and honey combine on the
nose. A sip unfurls flavors of lemon, sweet lime, and
grapefruit with suggestions of minerals and honey. Lush
fruit is in harmony with the wine's dry, balanced acidity.
Barrel aging gives it a nice, round body. This is a rich
wine white that will compliment crab or shellfish very
nicely.
Rating: 91
Character: lush fruit,
balanced acidity, supple mouthfeel
Farming Certification: CCOF Organic |
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Yorkville
Cellars 2008 Richard the Loin-Heart
Grape(s):
Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc,
Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenere
Winery: Yorkville Cellars
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2008
Special Designation: Richard the Loin-Heart
Price: 30-35
Review:
The nose has excellent depth as blackberries, currants,
and black cherries are complicated by suggestions of earth,
floral notes, dark-chocolate, and a hint of oak. Rich
dark fruit flavors dominate the palate, rounded out by
a bit of earth, oak, cocoa, and floral suggestions. Complex,
fairly dry and bright, it's a wonderful wine for food.
Roast chicken, lamb, or a juicy hamburger would all pair
nicely.
Rating: 92
Character: dark fruit,
balanced tannins, supple mouthfeel
Farming Certification: CCOF Organic |
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Yorkville
Cellars 2010 Sweet Malbec
Grape(s):
Malbec
Winery: Yorkville Cellars
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2010
Special Designation: Sweet Malbec
Price: 20-25
Review:
A rich nose offers aromas of cherries, raspberries, boysenberries,
sweet spice, herbs, and a few floral notes. On the palate,
raspberries, boysenberries, and cranberry jam combine
nicely with brighter floral suggestions. A round, lush,
rather sweet wine but it's but not one dimensional. If
you like sweetness with some depth, this is a wine to
try. Cheesecake sounds like the perfect pairing.
Rating: 90
Character: lush fruit,
light acidity, supple mouthfeel
Farming Certification: CCOF Organic |
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Yorkville
Cellars 2010 Rosé de Franc
Grape(s):
Cabernet Franc
Winery: Yorkville Cellars
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2010
Special Designation: Rosé de Franc
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of red berries, rose petals, and an allusion of
sweetness greet you on the nose. A sip offers lush strawberry,cherry,
and watermelon flavors accented by some lovely floral
hints. A lush wine that still has a nice, fresh acidity,
it's not sweet, and it's not overly dry like so many Rosés.
A great picnic wine, especially with turkey sandwiches.
Rating: 88
Character: lush fruit,
fresh acidity, supple mouthfeel
Farming Certification: CCOF Organic |
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Yorkville
Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s):
Sauvignon Blanc
Winery: Yorkville Cellars
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2010
Special Designation: (none)
Price: 15-20
Review:
Notes of grapefruit, fresh cut grass, and a bit of lemon
zest can be discovered on the nose. Lively citrus flavors
combine with a few grassy suggestions, and a hint of white
pepper on the palate. A bright, crisp, dry wine but it's
not too sharp, as there is plenty of fruit, too. A great
choice for fans of fresh, slightly grassy Sauvignon Blancs.
Rating: 88
Character:lbright mouthfeel,
crisp acidity, citrus fruit
Farming Certification: CCOF Organic |
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Yorkville
Cellars 2009 Late Harvest Semillon
Grape(s):
Semillon
Winery: Yorkville Cellars
Region: Mendocino County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Late Harvest
Price: 35-40
Review:
A rich, complex nose greets the senses with aromas of
pineapple rind, dried pear, dried apricot, nutty suggestions,
honey, and a hint of orange blossoms. The palate delivers
layers of flavors, opening with notes of pear, ripe pineapple,
and dried apricot before moving into nuances of honey,
floral suggestions, and a hint of almond at the finish.
A lush, sophisticated, round wine that's not overly sweet,
it's very well-balanced and very tasty. Production was
quite limited, so get some while you still can.
Rating: 93
Character: lush fruit,
round mouthfeel, mild acidity
Farming Certification: CCOF Organic |
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Yorkville
Cellars 2007 Semillon / Mendocino County
The basic goal of organic farming is to create healthy,
living soils. This is achieved in two ways. First is
the use of only natural fertilizers, compounds that
contain a wide range of the nutrients needed by plants
and avoiding the concentrated fertilizers that are heavy
on the three main plant foods; nitrogen, potassium and
phosphate. (A good analogy is a person eating only sugar,
steak and olive oil. They would certainly get all the
energy and protein they require, but would lack the
vitamins and minerals to keep them truly healthy, and
would eventually fall ill; scurvy, rickets and goiter
are all conditions that result from lack of a specific
vitamin.)_The second main part of organic farming is
avoiding harmful chemicals. Many of the compounds used
to control pest insects also kill beneficial insects;
those that might eat the 'bad' bugs or even bees that
pollinate crops. The loss of beneficial bugs can throw
off the balance in the field, causing even greater infestations,
requiring the use of stronger pesticides, or more frequent
applications. The average sprayed vineyard in California
will be sprayed over 15 times each year!
Semillon
is an underutilized and underappreciated grape in California.
This offering from Yorkville Cellars is dry, very clean,
and quite sophisticated. Aromas of apricot, pineapple,
and vanilla rise from a freshly swirled glass. On the
palate, pineapple and apricot return, with complicating
notes of honey and citrus highlights rounding out the
flavors. A lush white wine that's balanced nicely by
a fresh acidity.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
92
To make
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Yorkville
Cellars 2007 Eleanor of Aquitaine /
Mendocino County
The climate is influenced by marine air well over half
the time. Heat summation data collected within the area
reflects an average of 3,060 degrees, compared to approximately
2,500 in Boonville and Philo to the northwest and 3,650
in Cloverdale. Average annual rainfall within the area
is 50.6 inches compared to Anderson Valley, which receives
an average of 40.7 inches.
A
blend of the best barrels of Semillon and Sauvignon
Blanc, it's named after the 12th century Queen of England.
The nose is layered with lime, grapefruit, pineapple,
and toasted coconut. Similar flavors predominate on
the palate of this rich, provocative wine. Open a bottle
with your favorite shellfish and enjoy.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
91
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Yorkville
Cellars 2008 Sauvignon Blanc / Mendocino County
Organic farming practices in a small-scale vineyard
are about 120 percent of the costs of a conventionally
farmed vineyard. However, in spite of the costs, their
organic farming practices will continue as they believe
that organic farming ensures the highest possible quality
fruit. They have been fortunate to find a "natural"
(and generally cooperate) ally in nature. Summer breezes
ensure low humidity, reducing the chances of fungus.
Cool nights help reduce the bug population. Resident
raptors keep the rodents under control. Ladybugs and
lacewings help to fend off unfriendly pests.
A
somewhat atypical Sauvignon Blanc, it's fashioned in
a sweeter but very approachable style. The nose has
captivating aromas of pineapple, bell pepper, and bright
citrus notes. Sweet pineapple, mango, lime, and honey
flavors come to life on the palate. Perfect as an aperitif,
or try a bottle with a shrimp cocktail.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
91
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Yorkville
Cellars 2006 Richard the Lion-Heart/
Mendocino County
Richard the Lion-Heart is carefully blended, using the
very best barrels of Yorkville's certified organic estate
grown grapes. The 2006 vintage includes six varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec,
Petit Verdot and Carmenere. This is very likely the
only estate grown, California wine blended made with
all six of the traditional noble red grape varietals
originally from the Bordeaux area of western France.
A very
unique blend of all six of the original noble red grapes
of the Bordeaux area, like its name, it is fit for a
king. The nose draws you in with layers of rich, ripe
aromas including raspberry, blackberry, plum, blueberry,
notes of oak, a touch of mocha, and a smoky highlight.
The palate conveys a stirring blend of ripe dark fruit,
with hints of chocolate, oak, and herbs. Incredibly
smooth and elegant, this is truly a wine to savor.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
94
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Yorkville
Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon /
Mendocino County
Since the planting of their vineyard in 1982, there
has been a commitment to following organic farming practices.
CCOF (California Certified Organic Farm) certification
ensures that no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or
synthetic fertilizers are ever used on the property.
In addition, they believe their farming practices will
ensure a healthy soil that will be sustainable for agriculture
in the future. They respect the delicate land and the
balance of nature. Healthy soil and robust plants yield
vibrant, complex grapes, the basis of great wine.
There
are people that believe it takes Napa Valley heat to
make a good Cabernet. If you are one of them, try Yorkville's
and judge for yourself. The nose wraps up your senses
in raspberry, cherry, plum, and semi-sweet chocolate
aromas. When sipped, the cherry, plum, and dark chocolate
all return. Easy to drink now but with enough tannins
to age for a few years, at under $30 a bottle, it's
a much better value than most Napa Cabs.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
91
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Yorkville
Cellars 2007 Carmenere / Mendocino County
Yorkville Cellars has two main vineyards on our ranch
in Yorkville, California. Both are certified organic.
The vineyard behind the tasting room is called Randle
Hill Vineyard and is planted to Sauvignon Blanc and
Semillon. A total of 13 acres, it mainly dates back
to 1982 and was expanded in 1989. The vineyard along
Highway 128 in front of the tasting room is called Rennie
Vineyard and was planted in 1990.
Nearly
forgotten, the grape has made a resurgence, particularly
in Chile. In the states, however, there are very few
acres planted. Yorkville is one of the rare places.
Their Carmenere has a delightful nose of sweet blueberry,
boysenberry, a hint of smoke, and springtime floral
highlights. The palate is driven by ripe blueberry and
blackberry, with a few hints of herbs rounding the flavors
out. Smooth, but with a fresh bit of acidity, it's an
admirable, bright wine.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
90
To make
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Yorkville
Cellars 2007 Petit Verdot/ Mendocino County
The soils in the Yorkville Highlands viticultural area
are rocky hill soils characterized by gravel and old
brittle rock. These generally thin soils found on the
high benches and land troughs are in stark contrast
to the generally very loamy clay soils found in the
valleys and bottom lands dominating the neighboring
approved viticultural areas. Soil types mapped by the
U.S. Soil Conservation Service include: Bearwallow,
Hellman, Cole Loam, Henneke, Montara, Hopland Loam,
Squawrock, Witherell, Yorkville and Boontling. Only
one of two of these soil types is found in common with
a neighboring viticultural area.
Often
used only as a blending grape, Yorkville Cellars took
on the challenge of bottling this robust grape on its
own, and they did a rather good job. The nose is brimming
with rich, dark fruit aromas that mingle with gamy and
woodsy notes. Blackberry, cherry, and plum unwind into
hints of game and spice that bring the wine to a finish.
A bold wine, it requires hearty, flavorful meats or
spicy dishes to tame it.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
90
To make
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Yorkville
Cellars 2007 Cabernet Franc / Mendocino County
The Yorkville Highlands viticultural area lies generally
along the headwaters of Dry Creek and Rancheria Creek.
The vineyards in the Yorkville Highlands area are almost
entirely above 800 feet in elevation. The area is a
continuous string of high benches and land troughs bordered
by even higher ridges with Highway 128 running the middle.
Often
overlooked, Cabernet Franc deserves more attention than
it gets. Yorkville's take on the varietal has an alluring
nose of black cherry, plum, coffee, and floral notes.
Flavors of musty strawberry and black cherry fuse with
hints of earth and spicy peppers. Graceful and smooth,
it's a very food friendly wine. Enjoy a bottle with
turkey burgers or pork chops, and become a fan.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
92
To make
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Yorkville
Cellars 2007 High-Rollr Red / Mendocino County
A Hi-Rollr is Boontling for folks who live in the hills
surrounding Yorkville at the southern end of the Anderson
Valley in Mendocino County. Boontling was a local language
used by the nearly 5,000 residents in the area surrounding
Boonville, California between 1880 and about 1932.
This
bottle, named after Yorkville's wine club, is a splendid
Bordeaux-style blend. Ripe cherry, lush boysenberry,
black currants, and notes of chocolate are abundant
on the nose and on the palate. A round and elegant wine
that still has good structure and the potential to age
well. Pair a bottle with a juicy steak and a lightly
seared cut of tuna and enjoy.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
92
To make
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Yorkville
Cellars 2007 Malbec / Mendocino County
One hundred thirty years ago, the York family settled
in the rolling hills of southern Mendocino County. They
endured wet winters and sweltering hot summer days.
They made their living raising sheep and farming a small
plot of land, carefully respecting the balance of nature.
Today, Yorkville Cellars continues to uphold the wonder
of this area by farming organically and respecting this
beautiful land. In March 1998, the area was recognized
for its uniqueness and given a special designation by
the BATF: as "Yorkville Highlands." All bottles
now proudly carry the Yorkville Highlands AVA designation
on the front label.
With
all the hype around Argentina, one might think they
are the only ones that grow the grape. Yorkville Cellars
is one of the few California wineries that does, and
they do a fine job. A glass opens up with aromas of
raspberry, cherry, boysenberry, dark chocolate, sweet
spice, and hints of white pepper. When sipped, flavors
of boysenberry, blueberry, and raspberry meld with notes
of black pepper and cocoa. The wine's bold tannins make
it well suited to pair with a hearty steak or seasoned
cut of lamb.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
91
To make
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Yorkville
Cellars 2007 Merlot / Mendocino County
Yorkville Cellars is located in Mendocino County, 100
miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.
The tasting room is on Highway 128, a picturesque road
that winds past vineyards, sheep ranches, and apple
and peach orchards before plunging through the Redwood
forest to emerge at the Mendocino coastline.
Merlot
isn't as popular as it once was, but Yorkville is trying
to help its comeback. The nose is lovely with lush aromas
of cherry and raspberry, alongside complicating notes
of sweet spice and toasty oak. With a sip, the bright
red fruit returns, unfolding into a lingering finish
of spicy, smoky oak. An excellent structure and smooth
mouthfeel make this a highly approachable wine, and
at $25 a bottle, you don't have to break the bank for
quality.
FBWorld
Panel Score:
92
To make
Comments: (click
here)
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96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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25701 Highway 128
P.O. Box 3
Yorkville, CA 95494 USA
phone: (707) 894-9177
fax: (707) 894-2426
e-mail: yvcellars@pacific.net
www.yorkvillecellars.com
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