Wines
of the Week:
Compelling Cali-Rhone - Whites & Rosé
It's
officially
summer,
and what better way to beat the heat than with a tall, cool
glass of wine? While most Chardonnays (or Sauv Blancs for that
matter) are quite similar, hitting many of the same old notes,
white Rhone grape varieties grown in California produce a great
variety of flavor profiles. So be a little adventurous; try
something new. Here are several Cali-Rhones that pair perfectly
with summertime:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Vaco
Urbano 2015 Grenache Blanc
Winery:
Vaco Urbano
Grape(s): 100% Grenache Blanc
Region: Sonoma County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
Fragrances of citrus fruits, peaches, tart apples, and
minerals rise up from a glass. The palate delivers flavors
of peach, green apple, and passion fruit that combine
with elements of minerals, citrus zest, and herbs. Lively
with a crisp acidity, baked halibut or sole would make
a fine pairing. 168 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Vaco
Urbano 2015 "CoCoBlanc" Blend
Winery:
Vaco Urbano
Grape(s): 65% Marsanne & 35% Roussanne
Region: Contra
Costa County, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
A bouquet of tropical fruit, grapefruit, tart apple, and
white blossoms greet the senses. The palate showcases
flavors of lime, lemon, and green apple that flow into
suggestions of minerals and fresh bread. A bright white
with a food-friendly acidity, open a bottle with your
favorite shellfish. 168 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Steele
2015 "Writer's Block" Rousanne
Winery:
Steele
Grape(s): 100% Rousanne
Region: Lake County,
Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of pears, peaches, and melons mingle with suggestions
of white blossoms and baking spices on the nose. Flavors
of peach, honeydew, and pear unfold into elements of spring
flowers and Asian spice on the palate. A round and floral
white, pair it with grilled poultry. 500 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Fore
Family 2014 Grenache Blanc
Winery:
Fore Family
Grape(s): 100% Grenache Blanc
Region: Lake County,
Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of honeydews, pears, and apples meld with a
hint of honey on the nose. With a sip, flavors of green
apple, pear, and melon open up into expressions of citrus
zest and honey. Offering approachable fruit and a moderate
acidity, a veggie stir fry would make a good companion.
188 cases produced.
Rating: 87 |
|
Tablas
Creek 2013 Esprit Blanc
Winery:
Tablas Creek
Grape(s): 71% Roussanne, 21% Grenache
Blanc, & 8% Picpoul Blanc
Region: Paso Robles
, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
The nose offers a bouquet of peaches, tropical fruits,
sweet spices, and herbs. The palate brings forth flavors
of white peach, passion fruit, and citrus fruit that combine
with notes of caramel, clove, and herbs. Delivering a
rich mouth-feel and balanced acidity, match this wine
up with Chicken Piccata. 2,200 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Tablas
Creek 2013 Roussanne
Winery:
Tablas Creek
Grape(s): 100% Roussanne
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Notes of pears and peaches meld with hints of spring flowers
and minerals on the nose. Flavors of pear and white peach
coalesce with undertones of honeysuckle, spice, and minerals
on the palate. A lush and floral wine, enjoy a glass with
fresh oysters. 700 cases produced.
Rating: 88 |
|
Hunt
Cellars 2013 "Twilight Time" Viognier
Winery:
Hunt Cellars 2013 "Twilight Time" Viognier
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region:
Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromas of apricots, pears, and peaches combine with hints
of cream and dried coconut on the nose. A sip delivers
flavors of pear, honeydew, and peach that interweave with
elements of toasted coconut and spring flowers. Rich and
round, open a bottle with grilled swordfish.
Rating: 91 |
|
Vina
Robles 2015 "Roseum" Rosé
Winery:
Vina Robles
Grape(s): 95% Syrah & 5% Viognier
Region:
Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Cranberry, strawberry, and candied cherry aromas combine
with whispers of wild grasses on the nose . A sip reveals
flavors of raspberries, cranberries, and sweet cherries,
accented by a hint of fresh herbs. A mouth-filling rosé
with a welcoming acidity, match it up with a grilled shrimp
salad. 692 cases produced.
Rating: 87 |
By
Jason Barlow
Photo
credit: existangst via Source / CC BY
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
|