Wines
of the Week:
Barra & Girasole Vineyards - Mendocino County, Ca
Just
north of
Ukiah in Mendocino County, California, Charlie Barra grows grapes,
and he's got a little bit of experience. This year, he'll complete
his 71st harvest. The organic fruit he oversees produces the
wines from Barra of Mendocino and Girasole
Vineyards, which deliver great values year after year.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Barra
2014 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Barra of Mendocino
Grape(s): 100% Pinot
Noir
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of ripe strawberries, bing cherries, and black
plums come together with elements of spice and floral
earth on the nose. Flavors of cherry, strawberry, and
plum interweave with undertones of vanilla, earth, and
all-spice on the palate. Elegant tannins and abundant
red fruit make this wine a fine match for pork tenderloin.
390 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Girasole
2015 Pinot Blanc
Winery:
Girasole Vineyards
Grape(s): Pinot Blanc
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Fragrances of pears, apples, white blossoms, and minerals
rise up from a glass. The palate reveals flavors of ripe
pear, tart apple, and melon that flow into expressions
of honeysuckle and chalky earth. Offering lush fruit with
a bright mineral backbone, it will pair nicely with your
favorite shrimp Chinese take-out dish. 800 cases produced.
Rating: 87 |
|
Barra
2015 Chardonnay
Winery:
Barra of Mendocino
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Notes of pears and golden apples meld with suggestions
of vanilla and citrus peal on the nose. A sip delivers
flavors of pear, apple, and Meyer lemon, alongside hints
of toasty vanilla and butterscotch. A Chardonnay with
a welcoming acidity that still retains a bit of richness
on the palate, a lobster tail with melted butter would
make a lovely pairing. 599 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Girasole
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: Girasole Vineyards
Grape(s): 90% Cabernet Sauvignon &
10% Sangiovese
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Aromatics of raspberries, cherries, and plums mingle with
nuances of rosemary, spice, and earth on the nose. With
a sip, flavors of cherry, plum, and cranberry unfold into
highlights of baking spice, fresh herbs, and earth. A
lighter, brighter Cab than many, with plush tannins, it's
ideal for your next cook out. 2,400 case produced.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
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
|