west coast wines tasting
Oct. 11, 2008
This was a fun, small, low key private tasting event that was more social than tasting oriented. I introduced the
wines and talked briefly about them, then answered questions as I poured. The four wines were different
varietals from the west coast, all of which had class and a lot of character. There was an abundance of
homemade foods brought to this event, so the pairing possibilities with these wines was almost endless and
made for some great experimentation. Here is a list of the wines and my impressions:
1. Lioco, Durell Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley, 2006
Clear, brilliant gold; fig, lemon-lime; metallic minerals, dry herbs; silky, tons of acidity, good balance, elegant,
chablis-like, slight bitter end, crisp, long finish--NO oak! Made by Lidlicker and O'Connor (thus "Li-Oco") of
Spago fame.$40; My score: 90 pts.
2. Kynsi Bien Nacido Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, 2005
Cinamon, cherry, raspberry, spice, cola, dried herbs, blackberry, even pepper; Dr. Pepper; silky mouth, lots of
acidity, very aromatic, cherry-like tart flavors; soft minerals too, complex, medium body, pretty intense flavors,
but lighter; long mineral ending. Lots going on here--a great wine, especially for the price! $33; 92 pts.
3. Hedges Cellars, Red Mountain, "Three Vineyards" Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Washington State, 2005
Darkish ruby red with baclk hues; earth, moss, mint, pine-sap; almost nutty; cherry, chocolate-cherry; medium
body, firm but present tannins; great balance, great earthy-nutty character; almost Barbaresco-like; chalky firm
tannic ending. This was fantastic and untouchable for the price if it were Californian. $18; 91 pts.
4. Lucia Vineyards, Susan's Hill Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands, 2006
Inky dark opaque scarlet-purple; game, pepper, tight nose, pure cassis; dark, heady, cave-like aromas; dark
berry, rasp, even blueberry, hint minerals; rich, round, huge, no hard edges, powerful, muscular, chocolate-
covered coffee bean; long chewy finish. This parcel is located in the uppermost part of the Pissoni vineyard.
This was massive, very well built, but too much of a wallup for my tastes. RP gave this big points. $40; My
score: 89-90 pts.
wines and talked briefly about them, then answered questions as I poured. The four wines were different
varietals from the west coast, all of which had class and a lot of character. There was an abundance of
homemade foods brought to this event, so the pairing possibilities with these wines was almost endless and
made for some great experimentation. Here is a list of the wines and my impressions:
1. Lioco, Durell Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley, 2006
Clear, brilliant gold; fig, lemon-lime; metallic minerals, dry herbs; silky, tons of acidity, good balance, elegant,
chablis-like, slight bitter end, crisp, long finish--NO oak! Made by Lidlicker and O'Connor (thus "Li-Oco") of
Spago fame.$40; My score: 90 pts.
2. Kynsi Bien Nacido Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, 2005
Cinamon, cherry, raspberry, spice, cola, dried herbs, blackberry, even pepper; Dr. Pepper; silky mouth, lots of
acidity, very aromatic, cherry-like tart flavors; soft minerals too, complex, medium body, pretty intense flavors,
but lighter; long mineral ending. Lots going on here--a great wine, especially for the price! $33; 92 pts.
3. Hedges Cellars, Red Mountain, "Three Vineyards" Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Washington State, 2005
Darkish ruby red with baclk hues; earth, moss, mint, pine-sap; almost nutty; cherry, chocolate-cherry; medium
body, firm but present tannins; great balance, great earthy-nutty character; almost Barbaresco-like; chalky firm
tannic ending. This was fantastic and untouchable for the price if it were Californian. $18; 91 pts.
4. Lucia Vineyards, Susan's Hill Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands, 2006
Inky dark opaque scarlet-purple; game, pepper, tight nose, pure cassis; dark, heady, cave-like aromas; dark
berry, rasp, even blueberry, hint minerals; rich, round, huge, no hard edges, powerful, muscular, chocolate-
covered coffee bean; long chewy finish. This parcel is located in the uppermost part of the Pissoni vineyard.
This was massive, very well built, but too much of a wallup for my tastes. RP gave this big points. $40; My
score: 89-90 pts.