The '06 is the third in the trilogy of 2004, 2005 and 2006. The next vintage release will be 2009. Every vintage release is different, but she strives for consistency in the non-vintage releases. She believes that aging adds complexity.
I received a nice package last week from Wine of the Month Club. In a nice burgundy colored box was a bottle of Chardonnay and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. E...
Another dark red wine, this one also needs time in the glass to open up and show its pretty nose. There are soft flavors of cherry and the tannins are well integrated.
I first tasted them at the Family Winemakers of California event earlier this year in Pasadena. Their 2010 "Chileano" Tempranillo was first up. Chris liked the deep ruby color, dark berry and cherry, balanced tannic structure and long smooth finish.
I remember co-owner Gray Hartley telling me years ago that a guy came in, ordered a glass of wine and then a bottle and his world turned upside-down. The man was Rex Picket, author of the book Sideways. I sat with Frank Ostini, Gray's partner, who told me he knew something was up when director Alexander Payne walked in.
Diane and Ken Wilson own the Wilson Artisan Wineries as well as the Grape Leaf Inn. There are eight wineries all totaled and I visited three of them, starting with Matrix Winery. Formerly Rabbit Ridge Winery, the Wilsons purchased the property in 2007.
Chris gets quote of the night honors with "I'm not angry at it." He called it light and bright. I thought it had a pretty nose and was fruit forward, but a bit thin. For Brian it was "truly terrible."