2011 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Papera Ranch

2012 Peachy Canyon Zinfandel Incredible Red

2010 Carlisle Zinfandel Martinelli Road Vineyard

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch

2010 Turley Zinfandel Duarte Vineyard

2013 Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles

2008 Cairdean Vineyards Zinfandel

2009 Turley Zinfandel Duarte Vineyard

 

 

 

2011 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Papera Ranch – $37.00

This was Bedrock’s first vintage of this wine that was produced.  The previous vintage would have been their first one but the grapes were lost due to a “heat storm” on August 23 and 24.  The winery’s section of the vineyard has 22 interplanted varieties but the cool growing season meant the other grapes did not ripen so this is 100% Zinfandel.

 

The wine is a bright ruby red color.  The stunning nose has brambly berries, cherries, dark chocolate, dusty minerals, white pepper, dried underbrush, wild flowers and licorice.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  This is bright and lively on the palate with nice black and red fruit, minerals and white pepper on the front end with underbrush coming in later.  The finish has very nice length with a dried floral note adding interest.  This is just entering a nice drinking window, drink now or over the next couple of years.  (93 pts)

 

 

 

2012 Peachy Canyon Zinfandel Incredible Red – $13.59

The wine is a light to medium ruby red.  The comforting nose has brambly berries, white pepper, warm baking spices, crushed stone minerals, violets and black cherries.  This has a full body with soft to moderate tannins and decent acidity.  On the palate ripe berries, white pepper and crushed stone hit first on the front end with baking spices coming in later.  The finish has decent length with cherries and a floral note adding depth.  This is a fruit driven, fruit forward style of wine that could use a bit more structure.  That said, this is an easy drinking wine to share with friends over a platter of appetizers and conversation.  This wine has 14.1% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with an agglomerated cork.  (87 pts)

 

 

2010 Carlisle Zinfandel Martinelli Road Vineyard – $38.00

The severe heat wave that ruined the Zinfandel harvest in the Russian River Valley in late August some how missed this vineyard.  The grapes did not go unscathed, hence the high alcohol level.  The saving grace was that the acidity levels remained high.

 

The wine is an inky purple color.  The stunning nose has brambly berries, dusty minerals, warm baking spices, licorice, white pepper, loamy earth, dried violets, blueberries and dried leafy herbs.  This has a full body with solid ripe tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate the berries, white pepper and dusty minerals take control immediately, slowly allowing blueberries, baking spices and licorice to slip in on the back end.  The finish is very long and full of layers of flavor.  This is drinking very nicely right now but will improve over the next couple of years.  This is a blockbuster.  This wine has 16.3% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (94 pts)

 

 

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch – $15.82

The wine is a deep ruby color.  The inviting nose has brambly berries, baking spices, licorice, dusty minerals, vanilla bean, dry underbrush, black peppercorns and violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate to solid tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate tart brambly berries, baking spices and black pepper quickly take control, grudgingly allowing dusty minerals, vanilla and licorice to slip in on the back end.  The finish has nice length but gets a touch thin.  I think some time in the cellar will help the finish fill out but this is already easy to drink and enjoy.  This wine has 14.4% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (91 pts)

 

 

2010 Turley Zinfandel Duarte Vineyard – $32.00

The wine is a deep purple color.  The exhilarating nose has brambly berries, baking spices, dusty minerals, licorice, cherries, eucalyptus, black peppercorns and violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate to solid tannins and nice acidity.  This is bright and lively on the palate with tart berries, baking spices, dusty minerals and black pepper taking control immediately with cherries, licorice and a hint of eucalyptus coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with a floral note entering the picture.  This is drinking very nicely and is surprisingly well mannered for a zinfandel with 15.7% alcohol.  The bottle is sealed with a natural cork.  (92 pts)

 

 

2013 Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles – $27.99

This wine is 100% Zinfandel from the Benito Dusi Ranch in Paso Robles.

 

The wine is a deep maroon color.  The inviting nose has brambly berries, white pepper, crushed stones, dried leafy herbs, licorice and dried flowers.  This has medium to full body with soft to moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate juicy berries, white pepper and crushed stones quickly take over with licorice and dried flowers slipping in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with the white pepper becoming more prominent.  Not a wine to stash away in the cellar.  This is very easy to enjoy even at this young age.  The wine has 14.8% alcohol.  (91 pts)

 

 

2008 Cairdean Vineyards Zinfandel – $13.49

Cairdean Vineyards was rebranded as Brasswood Estate.  Some of the old Cairdean labeled wines are being closed out by Last Bottle Wines, information on the site is below.

 

The wine is ruby red with just a touch of brick at the edge.  The slightly shy nose has cherries, brambly berries, baking spices, eucalyptus, white pepper and a hint of wood smoke.  On the palate berries, tart cherries and spices jump out first with white pepper and eucalyptus coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with cherries, baking spices and white pepper carrying the bulk of the load.  Contrary to the 15.2% alcohol on the label, this is not a big and syrupy Zin.  This will last in the cellar through the end of the decade.  (92 pts)

 

 

2009 Turley Zinfandel Duarte Vineyard – $33.24

The wine is a medium to deep ruby red color.  The comforting nose has berries, dry earth, white pepper, baking spices, licorice and violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate berries, white pepper and dry earth pop out first with spice and a floral note coming in later.  The finish has nice length with a nice licorice note entering the picture.  Not the most complex Turley zinfandel out there but very easy to drink and enjoy.  Not a full throttle style of zin.  (90 pts)

 

 

 

 

I am a big fan of the “Flash Wine Sale” site Last Bottle.  Some of the wines in this post were purchased from the site, these wines were purchased at a big discount.  I highly recommend getting on their e-mail list.  Like most of the flash sale sites, they offer one wine per day until it sells out.  They also have a couple two-day marathons during the year that can’t be missed.  Last Bottle is a great site to buy special wines at prices low enough to open any day of the week.

 

If you sign up using this link you will get a $10 credit that can be used on your first purchase.  I will also get a credit if you make a purchase.

 

Other than getting a credit as explained above, I have no financial interest in the site.  After you are on the list, you can also get the same credit by introducing friends to Last Bottle.

 

 

 

Connect with me

You can follow me on Twitter for more wine info, potential food pairings, and an occasional recipe or two.  Be warned, I’m also a sports fan and there are occasional Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates tweets.  I attended the University of South Carolina, so during football season, there will also be some Gamecock posts.

 

I post a lot more pictures and pairing suggestions on my Instagram account, consider joining me at https://www.instagram.com/cbbrown3/

 

If you like this post, consider joining Cliffs Wine Picks Wine Blog on Facebook and giving me a Like.

 

Cheers!

 

 

This is original to CliffsWinePicks.com.  Copyright 2016 Cliff’s Wine Picks.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

Cliff’s Wine Picks mentions or other posts

Here are posts, newsletters, blogs or other articles that either mention this site or that I have written:

 

Click here or on the “Cliff’s Wine Picks On Other Sites” link in the top right corner to see links to other sites that either have my reviews, my thoughts or other posts I have written.

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but always check out the sale and close out items when in a store.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch

2008 Stefania Haut Tubee

2012 Cosa Obra Proprietor’s Blend

2009 Big Basin Vineyards Homestead

2010 Jacob Franklin Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard

2014 Diora Pinot Noir La Petite Grace

2008 Westerhold Family Vineyards Syrah Westerhold Vineyard

2009 Girard Petite Sirah

2011 Cornerstone Cellars Pinot Noir

2007 Copain Syrah Brosseau Vineyard

 

 

 

2011 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch – $15.82

This wine has 14.4% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a deep ruby color.  The inviting nose has blackberries, cracked black peppercorns, dusty minerals, cherries, espresso beans, dark chocolate, dry underbrush, eucalyptus and wild flowers.  This has medium body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  On the palate berries, minerals and black peppercorns take control on the front end with dark chocolate and espresso beans coming in on the back end.  The finish has decent length with a touch of eucalyptus and a floral note adding depth.  This isn’t a big, overly rips style of Zin, this is actually very well mannered and nuanced.  This has nice balance and should drink well through the end of the decade.  (91 pts)

 

 

2008 Stefania Haut Tubee – $20.00

This is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 10% Zinfandel, 2% Grenache and trace amounts of Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Pinot Gris.  The wine is named after the owner’s hot tub in their back yard.  There were 108 cases of the wine produced.  The grapes used in this red blend change dramatically every vintage based on what is available to make this tasty blend.

 

The wine has 13.8% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a medium to dark ruby red color with some lightening at the edge.  The nose is open and inviting with cassis, cedar, cherries, white pepper, plums, candied violets, dark chocolate, dried herbs, vanilla, and some earthiness.  This has medium body, soft to moderate tannins and good acidity.  This is much brighter on the palate than I expected with tart cherries, plums and white pepper up front.  On the back end spicy oak, dried herbs and plums come into focus.  The finish has decent length with dark chocolate and some earthiness creeping into the picture.  This is just about as good as it gets for a $20 California blend.  Drink over the next year, maybe two.  (90 pts)

 

 

2012 Cosa Obra Proprietor’s Blend – $25.60

This has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork

 

This is a deep garnet color.  The slightly shy nose has blackberries, cherries, bacon fat, potpourri, licorice and scorched earth.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and nice acidity.  This is much more open and expressive on the palate with spicy berries, grilled meat, cherries and stony minerals taking control on the front end with licorice and scorched earth coming in later.  The finish has nice length with the fruit and meaty elements co-mingling nicely.  This tastes nice now but will improve with some cellar time allowing the “baby fat” to integrate and become a bit less prominent.  (90 pts)

 

 

2009 Big Basin Vineyards Homestead – $29.00

As I’ve said in the past, I think Big Basin is one big score from one of the big wine reviewing periodicals away from appearing everyone’s radar.  I’ve been a big fan of Big Basin’s Syrah wines and blends for a few years.  I would highly recommend checking them out.  This is a blend of 46% Grenache, 43% Syrah, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Santa Cruz Mountains in California.

 

Winery history

Big Basin Vineyards was founded in 1998 in the Santa Cruz Mountains next to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, with a new winery building completed in 2003.  Proprietor and wine maker Bradley Brown sources his wines from three Estate Vineyards – Rattlesnake Rock, Old Corral Block and Homestead Block.  All of the Estate vineyards are planted to Alban Selections on steep hillsides with mudstone and shale soils – 7 acres of Syrah, 2 acres of Grenache and 1 acre of Roussanne – and are farmed organically.  Additionally, Bradley works closely with Coastview Vineyard located at 2400 ft on a mountain top in the Gabilan Mountains overlooking the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay (several miles due south of Mt. Harlan).  He has contracted with the vineyard to purchase Syrah planted in 1998 and to bud over certain sections of the vineyard to Pinot Noir and Grenache (in 2008) and plant a new block to an Alban selection of Syrah.  This vineyard is also farmed organically and managed according to Bradley’s direction.  Beginning in 2006, Big Basin started making Pinot Noir sourced from the Santa Cruz Mountains.  As of 2009, Big Basin is making three different single vineyard Pinots from the Santa Cruz Mountains (Alfaro Family, Lester Family and Woodruff Family Vineyards), plus the Pinot from Coastview Vineyard in the Gabilan Mountains.

 

Best known for Syrah, but also makes Pinot Noirs and blends.

 

Much more information is available at:  http://bigbasinvineyards.com/

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep ruby to maroon color.  The open and inviting nose has cherries, black raspberries, roasted herbs, dusty minerals, licorice, earthy underbrush, violets, white pepper and a touch of wood smoke.  This has medium to full body, fairly solid, ripe tannins and good acidity.  The palate shows nice spicy fruit with roasted herbs, pepper, with spicy oak adding depth and filling out the palate.  The finish is fairly long with smoky, roasted herbs and fruit slowly fading.  One of the more “civilized” wines I’ve had from Bradley Brown’s Big Basin.  I’m glad I have a few more to enjoy over the next few years.  (92 pts)

 

 

2010 Jacob Franklin Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard – $32.00

This wine has 13.6% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep purple color.  The inviting nose is full of crushed blackberries, dusty minerals, violets, blueberries, white pepper, road tar, dried violets and vanilla bean.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and very nice acidity.  For a Hayne Vineyard Petite Sirah this is bright and lively on your palate with crushed berries, minerals and white pepper hitting on the front end and blueberries, vanilla and dried violets coming in later.  The finish has very nice length with berries and white pepper seeming to linger forever.  This is on the young side but very easy to enjoy even at this stage in its development.  (93 pts)

 

 

2014 Diora Pinot Noir La Petite Grace – $31.99

The wine has 14.5% alcohol.  The bottle is sealed with a natural cork with a thick was coating the cork and next of the bottle.  The wax may look nice but it was tough cutting it off to pull the cork.

 

The wine is a deep garnet to maroon color.  The sensuous nose has black cherries, underbrush, baking spices, crushed stones, eucalyptus and violets.  This has medium body with soft to moderate ripe tannins and nice acidity.  On the palate black berries, underbrush and crushed stones steal the show on the front end with a nice floral note coming in later.  The finish has nice length with cherries and minerals carrying the load.  Not much complexity at this time but some time in the cellar may help, nonetheless this already easy to drink and is very tasty.  (89 pts)

 

 

2008 Westerhold Family Vineyards Syrah Westerhold Vineyard – $42.00

This is a wine I originally tried due to Russell Bevan being the winemaker.  It absolutely blew me away.  I quickly ordered more and put the word out on Twitter.  I suggested to Jeb Dunnuck that he should track down a bottle to try, he then gave it 95+ on his The Rhone Report.  A wine store owner friend from Napa (yes, you Carrie) bought some for the store based on my recommendation, and had to restock since it became very popular.  I’m not sure the status of the winery’s mailing list, but I’d recommend checking to see if it is still open.  The winery now also produces a Pinot Noir.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep, dark purple color.  The spellbinding nose has blackberries, licorice, baking spices, cedar, black pepper, road tar, dried wildflowers, crushed stone minerals and scorched earth.  This has a full body with moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  This has nice tart berries, black pepper, spicy oak and minerals up front with a dried floral note and some scorched earth coming in on the back end.  The has very nice length on the finish until the tannins and acidity kick in.  This is tasty but really could use some additional cellar time to help the finish open up and fill out.  (93 pts)

 

 

2009 Girard Petite Sirah – $17.09

This has been a long time favorite of mine.  My consumption has declined over the last few vintages as the price escalated.  My local store loaded up and offered the wine at a killer price via their e-mail list, so I had to “back up the truck”.

 

This has 14.5% alcohol and is sealed with an agglomerated cork

 

Winery History

Thirty years after first planting its vineyards, Girard continues to produce wines reflecting the quality that has made Napa Valley the most famous New World wine-growing region in the world. Napa Valley’s rise to fame was punctuated by a renaissance that began at the same time Girard was setting down its own roots.

 

As it has been in the past, Girard’s goal is to highlight the flavors of Napa Valley and its rich, ripe grapes. A small portion of the winery’s portfolio also comes from grapes grown in Sonoma’s upscale Russian River Valley, where cool weather offers ideal conditions for Chardonnay.

 

With the right grapes from the right locations, Girard offers a lineup that features both power and finesse–key words in California wine.

 

For more information, check out their website by clicking here.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep, dark purple color.  The outstanding nose has blackberries, black pepper, smoke, caramel, wild flowers, cherries, dark chocolate, earthy underbrush, and vanilla.  This has medium to full body, moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  On the palate the berries, pepper and vanilla leap out first with some nice earthiness and a floral element coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with some dark bittersweet chocolate entering the picture.  (90 pts)

 

 

2011 Cornerstone Cellars Pinot Noir – $16.87

The wine has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a bright ruby red color.  The appealing nose has cherries, raspberries, warm baking spices, white pepper, dry underbrush, wild flowers and vanilla.  This has medium body with soft to moderate tannins and good acidity.  On the palate cherries, baking spices and white pepper take charge early with dry underbrush and raspberries coming in later.  The finish has nice length with vanilla joining the spices and cherries.  This was better after being opened for an hour or two.  Drink now with some air or let it sleep another year and drink it through the end of the decade.  (91 pts)

 

 

2007 Copain Syrah Brosseau Vineyard – $45.00

This wine has 13.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The wine is a dark ruby red color.  The intriguing nose has blackberries, mint, black peppercorns, dusty minerals, dark roast coffee beans, licorice and dried violets.  This has medium to full body with moderate tannins and good acidity.  On the palate the berries, minerals and dark roast coffee immediately take control, slowly allowing black pepper and a minty note to slip through on the back end.  The finish has very nice length with a dried floral note providing depth.  This is drinking very nicely today and should hold for at least another couple of years.  (92 pts)

 

 

Connect with me

You can follow me on Twitter for more wine info, potential food pairings, and an occasional recipe or two.  Be warned, I’m also a sports fan and there are occasional Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates tweets.  I attended the University of South Carolina, so during football season, there will also be some Gamecock posts.

 

If you like this post, consider joining Cliffs Wine Picks Wine Blog on Facebook and giving me a Like.

 

Cheers!

 

 

This is original to CliffsWinePicks.com.  Copyright 2016 Cliff’s Wine Picks.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

Cliff’s Wine Picks mentions or other posts

Here are posts, newsletters, blogs or other articles that either mention this site or that I have written:

 

Click here or on the “Cliff’s Wine Picks On Other Sites” link in the top right corner to see links to other sites that either have my reviews, my thoughts or other posts I have written.

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but always check out the sale and close out items when in a store.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

2010 Altesino Rosso di Montalcino

2012 Calera Pinot Noir

2011 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

2006 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch

2007 Carlisle Syrah Dry Creek Valley

2008 Andrew Will Sorella

 

 

 

2010 Altesino Rosso di Montalcino – $24.33

I like Altesino’s Brunello wines, when the local store stocked this Rosso on their shelf, I had to grab a few bottles.  When done right, a Rosso is just a notch below a Brunello in quality but sells for a fraction of the cost.

 

This is 14.0% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The Winery

The company is a leader in various, important innovations in the production of Sangiovese di Montalcino, causing it to stand out and become a reference point for the entire territory.

 

The introduction of the “Cru” (Montosoli) concept in 1975, the first experiments with barriques in ’79, the production in ’77 of the first Grappa di Fattoria under the consultancy of the master distiller Gioacchino Nannoni and the first Futures (purchasing wine before its release) for Brunello 1985 are some of the positive contributions putting Montalcino on the world map.

 

An intense relationship has built up over forty years with the land full of history, with its almost sensual beauty that is physically perceived and its subtle charm that reaches the body and soul. This is the philosophy that inspires Altesino to produce wine and maintain its culture.

 

More information is available on the winery’s website.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium ruby red color with a touch of brick.  The bright nose has cherries, strawberries, raspberries, dried herbs, tobacco, minerals, and a touch of underbrush.  This has medium body, light to moderate tannins, and very nice acidity.  On the palate the red fruit and spice hit first with dried herbs, minerals, and tobacco coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with the tobacco and minerals closing the show.  Not a wine to contemplate over, but a very tasty Rosso to enjoy over the next few years with a hearty meal.  (89 pts)

 

 

2012 Calera Pinot Noir

This bottle was from a large wine tasting in a local wine store.  I was able to bring home the wine that was left over at the end, about a half bottle.

 

I’ve had earlier vintages of this wine and enjoyed them.  I’m interested to see what the wine is like from this highly acclaimed vintage.

 

The wine has 14.5% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium ruby red color.  The tempting and inviting nose has black cherries, baking spices, earthy underbrush, cola and a touch of spicy oak.  This has medium body, soft to moderate ripe tannins and good acidity.  On the palate the fruit is a bit brighter than the nose lead me to expect with tart cherries and baking spices up front with some building earthiness coming in on the back end.  The finish has decent length with fruit and spice carrying the load.  Not bad for an entry level Pinot and a keeper for a touch over $20.  (90 pts)

 

 

2011 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

This bottle was from a large wine tasting in a local wine store.  I was able to bring home the wine that was left over at the end, about a third bottle.

 

This is one of the “big names” in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  This vintage didn’t get as much acclaim as earlier vintages.

 

The wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium to deep ruby red color.  The outstanding nose has kirsch, brined olives, potpourri, crushed berries, cherries, cedar and minerals.  This has medium body, moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  On the palate this wine slowly displays layer after layer of fruit, spice and minerals.  The layered finish has very good length and is loaded with constantly evolving flavors.  This tasted outstanding today but deserves some serious cellar time for it open up and spread its wings.  (94 pts)

 

 

2006 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch – $15.07

From a 375 ml bottle

 

Elyse has been one of my favorite wineries since my first visit there in 2001.  I was talking to an employee at Merryvale about the style of wines I liked and that I was on the lookout for leads to some nice Petite Sirah based wines.  All he said was, “You have to checkout Elyse”.  As soon as we got back in the car, I pulled out my guidebook of wineries, and looked them up.  According to the guide, they required a reservation so I called them.  About 30 minutes later we were met by a very gracious and inviting tasting room employee.  We spent the next hour trying just about everything they made.  We left with several bottles for the week and ordered a case to be shipped back home.

 

The local wine store used to stock this wine in half bottles but I don’t know if anyone other than me bought it.  A quick check of my purchase history in Cellar Tracker show I bought well over 2 cases of this wine.  I know the last case was the last one the distributor had in stock.  I’m not seeing as much Elyse on wine store shelves here in Wisconsin, which is a loss for the normal consumer.  I keep the Elyse (and Jacob Franklin) part of my cellar stocked with purchases direct from the winery.

 

The wine has 14.8% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

Winery history

In 1983, Nancy and Ray arrived in California from Cape Cod to fulfill Ray’s dream of making wine and Nancy’s taste for adventure.  After working harvest at Mt. Eden Winery in Saratoga, they moved to NapaValley and became innkeepers for a bed &breakfast. Ray then spent formative time at Tonella Vineyard Management, where he gained philosophical perspective and practical knowledge working in the vineyards.  Ray’s nine year tenure at Whitehall Lane Winery under the tutelage of Art Finkelstein first as a cellar worker and then as head winemaker honed his skills in the art of blending and was the inspiration for Ray’s winemaking style today.

 

In 1987, Ray & Nancy started Elyse Winery with 286 cases of Zinfandel from the Morisoli Vineyard, which is still a cornerstone vineyard source for the winery. After a decade of nomadic winemaking at various custom crush facilities, in 1997 they purchased a small winery and vineyard on Hoffman Lane, the home of Elyse Winery and tasting room.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium ruby red color showing just a touch of brick, mainly at the edge.  The very appealing nose reminded me more of a Claret than a zinfandel.  There was some brambly berries and pepper, but they were joined with tobacco, cedar, dried herbs, cassis, and warm baking spices.  This has a medium body, soft integrated tannins, and good acidity.  On the palate this has lost most of its early “baby fat” and is a smooth, nuanced Zinfandel that again could be easily mistaken for a quality Claret.  The finish is fairly long with nice fruit, spice, and a touch of earthiness.  To some people, this may be over the hill, to me it is in a wonderful spot. This was from a 375ml bottle.  (93 pts)

 

 

2007 Carlisle Syrah Dry Creek Valley – $27.00

This wine is a blend of 77% Dry Creek Valley Syrah, 12% Dry Creek Valley Grenache both from the Teldeschi Vineyard, 9% Knights Valley Syrah from Peklan Ranch and 2% Russian River Valley Viognier.

 

Normally this is where I’d tell you to go to their website and sign up for the mailing list, but not this time.  Unfortunately the Carlisle mailing list is full, the best you could do is get on the waiting list.  The problem with that one is big, the wines are so good and fairly priced, very few people drop off the list.  My best advice is to find someone on the list and beg them to share a bottle or two of their allocation with you.

 

The wine contains 14.5% alcohol by volume and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

Winery history

Carlisle is a winery that started as a classic “garage winery” for Owner/Winemaker Mike Officer.  His first foray into wine making was making 5 gallons of Zinfandel in his kitchen.  Over the next several years, with the help of his wife Kendall (Carlisle), and some friends, he produced a barrel of wine each vintage.  During this period, he also has a “real job” as a software developer.  To make a long story short, eventually the software developer title was left in the rear view mirror and Owner/Winemaker became his new title.  I highly recommend checking out the complete story at http://www.carlislewinery.com/about.html

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep purple to black color.  The very nice nose has blackberries, charcoal, white pepper, smoke, vanilla bean, dark chocolate, blueberries, Asian spices and minerals.  This has medium to full body, moderate to solid tannins and good acidity.  On the palate this is full of crushed berries, white pepper and Asian spices up front with smoke and minerals coming in on the back end.  The finish has nice length with some dark chocolate entering the picture.   This is drinking very nicely but has the stuffing and balance to keep in the cellar for another decade or more.  (92 pts)

 

 

2008 Andrew Will Sorella – $61.74

I tasted this wine not long after release at the local wine store.  The wine, though very young, showed considerable promise.  I grabbed a few bottles and left them stashed in the cellar for a few years.  It’s time to check in to see how the wine is progressing.

 

This wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot from the Champoux Vineyard in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills.

 

This wine has 14.5% alcohol and the bottle is sealed with a natural cork.

 

The Winery

Andrew Will Winery was started in 1989 and is owned by Chris Camarda.  The winery was launched out of a love for wine that Chris had developed while working in the restaurant trade for almost 20 years.  Named after the Camardas’ son Will and nephew Andrew, Andrew Will has been a major contributor to the success and notoriety in recent years of Washington State wines.  Initially, the winery consisted of 900 square feet of rented industrial space in Seattle.

 

In 1994, the Camardas moved to Vashon Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, where they built the present winery.  The fruit however comes from the mainland, across the Cascades in Eastern Washington, where all the significant vineyards lie in the rain shadow of the mountains.

 

Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval vineyards are adjacent on the loam and gravel soils of Red Mountain but produce different styles of wine.  Klipsun makes massive, opulent wine to appreciate early. Ciel du Cheval possesses a slightly more tannic structure and great ageing potential.

 

Much more information is available on the winery’s website by clicking here.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium to dark ruby red color.  The suave and enchanting nose has cassis, cherries, warm baking spices, plums, minerals, dried leafy herbs, cocoa powder, with hints of cedar and earthy underbrush.  The wine has medium body, moderate to solid tannins and very good acidity.  The fruit, spices and minerals coat the palate, eventually allowing a touch of cedar and subtle earthiness to enter focus.  The finish is very long with cocoa powder and dried herbs joining the party.  This wine is the complete package and has the balance to improve over the next few years and last in the cellar for a decade or more.  (95 pts)

 

 

Connect with me

You can follow me on Twitter for more wine info, potential food pairings, and an occasional recipe or two.  Be warned, I’m also a sports fan and there are occasional Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates tweets.  I attended the University of South Carolina, so during football season, there will also be some Gamecock posts.

 

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Cheers!

 

 

This is original to CliffsWinePicks.com.  Copyright 2013 Cliff’s Wine Picks.

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but my local store is usually VERY competitive.  I generally get case discounts, and since I work there part time, I get a 5% discount.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

2005 Lyrique Syrah Watch Hill Vineyard

2006 Alma Rosa Pinot Blanc Sta. Rita Hills

2000 Azienda Pier Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo

2007 Scherrer Winery Chardonnay Helfer Vineyard

2006 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch

2009 Lewis Cellars Alec’s Blend

 

 

2005 Lyrique Syrah Watch Hill Vineyard – $17.25

This is an old friend.  I bought three bottles of this from Garagiste Wine back in mid 2008.  I had a bottle not long after it was delivered and was knocked over.  This was a stunner for under $25.  I searched the web and could not find anyone with the wine available for sell.  I slowly killed off my remaining two bottles over the next year and a half.  One day in early 2011, four bottles showed up on Wine Bid.  The initial bid was well below the original price I had paid.  I put in the minimum bid and waited to be out bid.  Needless to say, I won with my minimum offer and after paying the “buyer’s premium” these four bottles were mine at a steal of only $17.25 a bottle.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep, dark maroon color.  The very open and inviting nose has juicy blackberries, smoked meat, black pepper, almost dead wood embers, melted licorice, dark bittersweet chocolate, and some scorched earth.  This has a fairly full body, integrated tannins, and nice acidity.  On the palate the ripe, juicy fruit is joined with smoked meat and black pepper up front with some nice earthiness building on the back end.  The finish is fairly long with dark chocolate joining the party in my mouth.  This is drinking very nicely but a touch of alcohol is starting to peak through the wall of flavor.  Probably needs to be consumed over the next year.  (92 pts)

 

 

 

2006 Alma Rosa Pinot Blanc Sta. Rita Hills – $4.75

The owner at the local wine store saw this on the close out list from the distributor.  Supposedly the cases were misplaced in storage and forgotten about for a few years.  The distributor brought in a bottle for the store to try and the owner grabbed everything they had.  I also figured a 6 year old Pinot Blanc would be tired if not dead, but still grabbed a bottle for the under $5 close out price.  I got home and we opened the bottle at room temperature and were blown away.  I immediately sent off an e-mail to stash me a half case.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a bright yellow to straw color. The light and refreshing nose has lemon curd, apples, stony/flinty minerals, orange blossoms, a touch of spice and a bit of pineapple. This has light to medium body, is dry and has crisp, citrusy acidity. This is very bright and lively on the palate with crisp apples, lemon zest, and flinty minerals, on the backend a touch of spice and orange zest add some depth. The finish has nice length with the citrus, apples, and minerals holding on nicely. This was an absolute steal on closeout for under $5.  (90 pts)

 

 

 

2000 Azienda Pier Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo – $29.71

This is another purchase from Garagiste Wine, in this case from late 2007.  I’m a big fan of Italian Barbaresco.  I may be in the minority, but I even prefer a Barbaresco over an Italian Barolo.  Both Barbaresco and Barolo wines are made from the same grape, the Nebbiolo.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a light to medium ruby red with some brick, especially at the edge.  The elegant and appealing nose has cherries, damp earthy underbrush, minerals, plums, dried herbs, Asian spices, dark chocolate, roses, and a touch of mint.  This has medium body, moderate tannins, and very good acidity.  On the palate there is a nice balance with the fruit and savory elements sharing the stage.  The finish has very nice length with the fruit adding nice sweetness to the savory notes.  This seems to be in a prime drinking window but should hold a couple of years.  (93 pts)

 

 

 

2007 Scherrer Winery Chardonnay Helfer Vineyard (375ml) – $17.10

A few years ago, I got an offer from Scherrer that included a lot of half bottles.  Needless to say, I stocked up.  I probably bought a couple of cases mixed between this Chardonnay and their Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.  I try to keep a nice variety of half bottles for my wife to enjoy when I am traveling.  That way she can grab a bottle and not have to drink the same wine the next night.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a golden straw color.  The very inviting nose has apples, pears, flinty minerality, baking spices, citrus zest, and buttered popcorn.  This has medium body and crisp acidity.  On the palate the apples, spice, and lemon zest grab the thunder with nice minerality slowly building on the back end.  The fairly long finish leans more on the spice and minerals with just a touch of oak coming into the picture.  This was a very nice Chardonnay in its prime.  This was from a 375ml bottle.  (93 pts)

 

 

 

2006 Elyse Zinfandel Korte Ranch (375ml) – $15.07

The local wine store used to stock this wine in half bottles but I don’t know if anyone other than me bought it.  A quick check of my purchase history in Cellar Tracker show I bought well over 2 cases of this wine.  I know the last case was the last one the distributor had in stock.  I’m not seeing as much Elyse on wine store shelves here in Wisconsin, which is a loss for the normal consumer.  I keep the Elyse (and Jacob Franklin) part of my cellar stocked with purchases direct from the winery.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a medium ruby red color showing just a touch of brick, mainly at the edge.  The very appealing nose reminded me more of a Claret than a zinfandel.  There was some brambly berries and pepper, but they were joined with tobacco, cedar, dried herbs, cassis, and warm baking spices.  This has a medium body, soft integrated tannins, and good acidity.  On the palate this has lost most of its early “baby fat” and is a smooth, nuanced Zinfandel that again could be easily mistaken for a quality Claret.  The finish is fairly long with nice fruit, spice, and a touch of earthiness.  To some people, this may be over the hill, to me it is in a wonderful spot.  This was from a 375ml bottle.  (93 pts)

 

 

 

The Scherrer Chardonnay and Elyse Zinfandel were served to go with a platter we put together for lunch.  Most of the items were provided by Elyse Winery.  The winery supplied cheeses were:

1 – St Andre Triple Cream from Normandy – This cow’s milk cheese was creamy and rich leaving a lingering sweet note.  It needs a white with with crisp acidity.

2 – Sapore del Plave from Trevisio, Italy – This hard, cow’s milk cheese was aged 15 to 16 months.  This nutty, aged cheese had a nice crumbly texture and had the nice “crunchy” bits and subtle saltiness typical in a quality aged cheese.

3 – Tourmalet from The Laruns Valley in France – This is a semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese.  This had a nice nutty, butter taste and paired marvelously with the slightly aged zinfandel.

 

The winery also supplied some Castelvetrano Olives, which I loved and I’m not a big olive fan.  These had a nice meaty texture, a buttery flavor with subtle salt and slight sweetness.

 

Also included in the package from Elyse were some absolutely delicious Spanish Marcona almonds.  My wife is the almond connoisseur in the family and she flipped over these comparing them to a cross between a normal almond and a macadamia nut.  A comparison which I absolutely agree.

 

This Goody Sampler was sent to members of the Elyse wine club.  I highly recommend checking them out.  My platter only included a small percentage of the contents of the package.  Other than the soft cheese, I only included what we’d need for a lunch for two on the deck.

 

We added some butter crackers and a Boar’s Head Salami to complete the delicious lunch.

 

 

 

2009 Lewis Cellars Alec’s Blend – $37.99

I like the wines being produced by Lewis, but I’m not part of their cult-like following.  When I can grab a few bottles at a great price, I stock up but generally pass at the release price.  In this case, the community average price for this wine is over $55 on Cellar Tracker, at that price I think there are better options.  When I was able to get this for under $40, I felt it was worthy of opening my wallet.

 

My Tasting Note

The wine is a deep, dark, inky purple color.  The big, bold, and rich nose is full of crushed blackberries, blueberries, smoke, charred meat, black pepper, dark bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, fresh ground coffee, and scorched earth.  This has a full body, fairly solid tannins, and decent acidity.  On the palate the spicy berries, pepper, and meaty elements hit first followed by vanilla, dark chocolate, and some earthiness.  The finish is fairly long and is highlighted by dark chocolate, vanilla, and berries.  This is a big and ripe wine made in a take no prisoners style.  (90 pts)

 

 

 

***** Shameless Self Promotion *****

 

Here is a link to a YouTube video of me getting “coal” from Santa for being named the “Nicest Person in Social Media” in 2012.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOvQTeGR3-c

 

 

 

Breaking news from Klout:

 

 

 

 

Remember to support your local wine store!

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Notes – I use the “official” Cellar Tracker name for the wines.  I use Cellar Tracker to help manage and organize my cellar.  I highly recommend checking it out at www.cellartracker.com.  Loading you existing cellar is a lot less intimidating than it would first appear.  There is a good chance 99% of your wine is already in the system, so you generally only need to enter part of the wine’s name and the system will find it for you.

 

 

Prices noted are the prices I paid at the time of purchase.  I don’t shop around to find the best prices, but my local store is usually VERY competitive.  I generally get case discounts, and since I work there part time, I get a 5% discount.  Wines purchased direct from a winery do not include any shipping charges.  None of the prices include the sales tax.

 

 

All wines that were sent to me free of charge to sample will be noted and I will show suggested prices when available.

 

 

 

Cheers!