Exploring
the Wines of the Livermore Valley Part 1
- Mitchell Katz Winery
By FBWorld Team
At
Mitchell Katz Winery, the focus is on producing single
vineyard wines. Owner and winemaker Mitch Katz has formed relationships
with growers throughout the Livermore Valley, many of whom he's
worked with for years, and looks to showcase the literal fruits
of their labor vintage after vintage.
Here
what our tasting panel thought about a few of the wineries current
releases:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Mitchell
Katz 2011 Shadow Hills Vineyard Chardonnay
Winery:
Mitchell Katz
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromatics of apple, mango, and creamy oak meld with nutty
suggestions of the nose. Flavors of green apple, peach,
and crisp pear are accented by notes of vanilla, grain,
and creamy oak on the palate. A supple, buttery Chardonnay
that still offers a pleasing acidity, it will pair nicely
with creamy sauces. 1,100 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Mitchell
Katz 2009 Falling Star Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Mitchell Katz
Grape(s): 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 50-55
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and plums mingle
with hints of minerals and oak on the nose. The palate
delivers flavors of blueberry, plum, and cherry along
with suggestions of cedar and earth. An easy-going Cabernet
with plush tannins, fans of fruit-driven reds ought to
give this bottle a try. 100 cases were made.
Rating: 87 |
|
Mitchell
Katz 2010 Crackerbox Vineyard Sangiovese
Winery:
Mitchell Katz
Grape(s): 100% Sangiovese
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
A bouquet of dark berries, all-spice, herbs, and cocoa
greet the senses. A sip delivers flavors of cherry, raspberry,
and blackberry that unfold into suggestions of caramel
and clove. Not a typical Sangiovese, with lush red fruit
and notes of sweet spice, it will pair better with glazed
ham than Italian fare. Try a bottle if you are looking
for something different. 300 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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