Winery
of the Week: VIE - San Francisco
Vie
comes from the Old French word meaning "to
invite" or "to give occasion for". But, in French
today, it is simply translated "life". So if you're
in San Francisco, visit the winery's tasting room on Treasure
Island and celebrate life as the offerings we sampled from them
were all excellent.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Vie
2014 "Belle-Amie" Rosé
Winery:
VIE
Grape(s): Grenache, Mourvedre, &
Syrah
Region: Lake County, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of raspberries, cherries, watermelon, and herbs
greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of bright
red berries and pomegranate that unfold into hints of
white pepper, minerals, and grass. A friendly acidity
and ample fruit, make this a lovely wine to sip on a warm
evening. 100 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Vie
2012 "L'Intruse" Mouvedre
Winery:
VIE
Grape(s): 94% Mourvedre, 4% Syrah, &
2% Grenache
Region: Lake County, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromas of cherries, boysenberries, and plums combine with
notes of Italian Seasoning and chocolate on the nose.
A sip reveals flavors of bramble fruit and cherry that
open up into traces of spice, herbs, and dark chocolate.
With bright fruit and supple tannins, it would make a
fine match with gamy meats. 125 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Vie
2012 "Las Madres Vineyard" Syrah
Winery:
VIE
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Sonoma County, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Fragrances of blueberries, black cherries, smoked paprika,
and smoked meat rises up from a glass. The palate offers
flavors of cherry, blueberry, and raspberry that combine
with highlights of spice, bacon, and herbs. Layered and
vibrant with balanced tannins, Rhone lovers will find
a lot to like here. 150 cases produced.
Rating: 91 |
|
Vie
2012 "Thompson Vineyard" Syrah
Winery:
VIE
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Santa Barbara County, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Aromatics of bramble fruits, red currants, and plums are
accented by hints of bacon, cedar, and vanilla on the
nose. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, and red currant meld
with notes of all-spice, smoky oak, and game. Hearty flavors
are balanced by lush fruit, making this a very inviting
wine. 100 cases were made.
Rating: 91 |
|
Vie
2012 "White Hawk Vineyard" Syrah
Winery:
VIE
Grape(s): 97% Syrah & 3% Viognier
Region: Santa Barbara County, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Blackberry, currant, and plum mingle with traces of pepper,
cedar, and game on the nose. With a sip, flavors of blackberries,
boysenberries, and currants interweave among nuances of
spice, smoke, and minerals. Lively with complex, robust
flavors, enjoy a bottle with lamb burgers fresh from the
grill. 100 cases produced.
Rating: 92 |
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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