Top bottling from Roederer Estate’s Mendocino property in the Anderson Valley. 50/50 Pinot/Chard topped with a “reserve dosage” aged at least 5yrs in French oak before an additional five months of bottle ageing before release. A gentle layer of fine bubbles appear upon pouring but quickly dissipate, revealing a medium-concentrated gold wine showing its maturity with rather dull reflections. True to the hot ’97 growing season, ripe, even baked bartlett pear and golden apple abound on the nose, along with hazelnut, brioche, butterscotch and toffee. Rich, full and broad on the attack, but cut nicely with a brilliant acidity that makes for quite an energetic finish for such a seemingly developed wine. Surprisingly complex, definitely enjoy this sparkler with rich dishes. Entrées, ideally. W.M
The Mendocino Ridge AVA is coastal with cool climate and high altitude located in the Mendocino County. It goes from the Pacific Ocean inland to the Anderson Valley.
This is a beauty from one of the most highly regarded California Pinot Noir producers. Ripe and expressive, there is no shortage of sweet citrus and tropical fruit on the nose, which is fairly intense. Very focused. Some wood frames the fruit nicely and adds a polished feel on the palate. The attack’s initial richness gives way to a piercing acidity on the midpalate that makes this a wonderful food wine (and an affordable one at that). Paired very nicely with beef stew over egg noodles. Imagine that. W.M.
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VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Walla Walla Valley
MAKER: John Grochau
VINIFICATION: Fermented in open top fermenters with manual punch down and manual pump overs for cap management.
AGING: 40% aged 20 months in new French oak barrels
APPELLATION: Pays D’Oc
VARIETAL: 100% Pinot Noir FERMENTATION: In stainless steel. Unoaked.
TASTING NOTES: Deep ruby color with a nose of ripe raspberries and red cherries with mineral hints in the
