Winery
of the Week:
Claiborne & Churchill - Edna Valley, California
Inspired
bye Alsace
and committed to sustainable farming, Claiborne &
Churchill is a family-owned winery located along California's
Central Coast in the Edna Valley. Founded in 1983 after Claiborne
Thompson and Fredericka Churchill left their positions at the
University of Michigan, they focus on making bright, balanced
wines that are sure to win over plenty of fans.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Claiborne
& Churchill 2014 Dry Gewurztraminer
Winery:
Claiborne & Churchill
Grape(s): 100% Gewurztraminer
Region: Central Coast, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
A bouquet of lychee fruits, pears, citrus fruits, and
spring flowers rises up from a glass. The palate delivers
flavors of peach, lychee fruit, and key lime that interweave
with suggestions of white blossoms and sweet spice. A
bright wine with a refreshing acidity, open a bottle with
chicken korma. 1,550 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Claiborne
& Churchill 2014 Dry Riesling
Winery:
Claiborne & Churchill
Grape(s): 100% Riesling
Region: Central Coast, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromatics of pears, peaches, and grapefruits meld with
allusions of sweet spice and honeysuckle on the nose.
A sip reveals flavors of green apple, peach, and grapefruit
that flow into undertones of white flowers and baking
spice. With a lively, crisp character, a veggie stir fry
would be a fine companion. 1,497 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Claiborne
& Churchill 2014 Pinot Gris
Winery:
Claiborne & Churchill
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Gris
Region: Central Coast, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Fragrances of peaches, pears, melons, and minerals greet
the senses. The palate offers flavors of pear, peach,
and honeydew, which are accented by hints of minerals
and baking spice. Fairly round for a Pinot Gris with a
friendly acidity, match it up with pork chops. 458 cases
were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Claiborne
& Churchill 2014 Estate Pinot Noir
Winery:
Claiborne & Churchill
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Edna Valley, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromas of cherries, raspberries, and plums combine with
elements of cola, floral earth, and spice on the nose.
Flavors of bing cherry, strawberry, and raspberry open
up into sassafras root, white pepper, and floral hints.
Offering bright red fruit flavors with supple tannins,
enjoy a glass with a wild mushroom risotto. 787 cases
produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Claiborne
& Churchill 2014 Twin Creeks Pinot Noir
Winery:
Claiborne & Churchill
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Edna Valley, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Strawberry and cherry aromas combine with undertones of
floral earth and all-spice on the nose. Cherries, plums,
and strawberries intermingle with rosemary, sweet spice,
and minerals on the palate. A welcoming acidity and lively
fruit make this wine a fine match for grilled salmon.
959 cases were made.
Rating: 91 |
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
|