Winery
of the Week:
De Tierra Vineyards - Monterey County, Ca
De
Tierra Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery
focused on producing handcrafted wines from Monterey County
in California. As their name, meaning 'of the land,' clearly
implies, they strive to showcase the distinctive character and
cool microclimates of the region. Thus, their grapes are sourced
from a handful of select sites with favorable yet unique soils.
The goal is for each and every wine to provide the best representation
of the unique flavors of Monterey County.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
De
Tierra 2009 Pinot Noir
Winery:
De Tierra Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromas of cherries, plums, and raspberries meld with notes
of coffee, earth, and caramel on the nose. A sip delivers
flavors of raspberry, plum, and black cherry that open
up into suggestions of toasty clove, roast coffee, and
fresh minerals. A smooth, layered Pinot, with ample red
fruit, enjoy a bottle with roast chicken or duck. 700
cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
De
Tierra 2012 "The Puzzler" Red Blend
Winery:
De Tierra Vineyards
Grape(s): Syrah & Merlot
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Fragrances of blackberries, cherries, and strawberries
mingle with nuances of spice on the nose. Flavors of bramble
fruit, strawberry, and cherry emerge on the palate along
with suggestions of white pepper. A supple red with rich
tannins, pair a bottle with grilled lamb chops. 117 cases
were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
De
Tierra 2009 Merlot
Winery:
De Tierra Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2007
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromatics of black cherries and plums wrap around traces
of roses, mocha, and earth on the nose. Blackberry, cherry,
and plum flavors unfurl into notes of coffee, creamy oak,
and floral suggestions on the palate. A bright Merlot
with a welcoming acidity, try a bottle if you enjoy lively,
dry reds. 360 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
De
Tierra 2011 "Russel Estate" Chardonnay
Winery:
De Tierra Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
A bouquet of pear, golden apple, and caramel greets the
senses. The palate reveals flavors of pear and tropical
fruit accented by hints of vanilla bean and creamy oak.
A crisp, mouth-filling wine, fans of rich Chardonnay ought
to give this bottle a try. 137 cases produced.
Rating: 88 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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