Winery
of the Week:
Lula Cellars - Mendocino County, Ca
With
only a small population and rustic beauty, the Anderson Valley
is the heart of Mendocino County's renowned Pinot Noir region.
This is where Lula Cellars winemaker Jeff Hansen seeks out the
world-class fruit for their wines. And based on what we tasted,
he's doing a great job finding it.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Lula
2013 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Lula Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Fragrances of strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and
vanilla rise up from a glass. The palate offers flavors
of strawberry, pomegranate, and bing cherry that open
up into suggestions of dark chocolate, vanilla, and anise.
Lively fruit and supple tannins make this a fine Pinot
to pair with pork tenderlion. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Lula
2013 Costa Vineyard Pinot Noir
Winery:
Lula Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Aromas of dark berries and plums mingle with violet and
vanilla hints on the nose. Flavors of cherry, plum, and
strawberry interweave with earthy, floral, and vanilla
notes on the palate. A Pinot with lush dark fruit and
a welcoming acidity, open a bottle with grilled salmon.
350 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Lula
2013 Peterson Vineyard Pinot Noir
Winery:
Lula Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
A bouquet of cranberries, strawberries, cola, and floral
earth greets the senses. The palate showcases flavors
of bright red berries that flow into nuances of spice,
vanilla, and fresh herbs. It's a vibrant Pinot, with a
food-friendly acidity and plush tannins, making the wine
a fine companion for roasted duck. 450 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Lula
2014 Mariah Vineyard Zinfandel
Winery:
Lula Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
The nose presents with strawberries, blackberries, and
plums, accented by clove and peppery notes. A lush fruit
core comes together nicely with lively spice highlights
on the palate. Given it's plush tannins and compelling
flavors, one might enjoy this Zin with your favorite Mexican
dish. 600 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|