Wattle Creek Winery, owned by ex-pat Australians, held a tasting at wineStyles last night. Have to say I was impressed by the wines-there does indeed seem to be a "Mendocino Style" that emphasizes more "earthiness" than Napa wines.
Sauvignon Blanc-light, fairly nondescript. Not a New Zealand gooseberry soda pop but not quite the austere minerality of Sancerre, either. Nothing "wrong" with this wine, just a little boring. 2*
Chardonnay 2005. I preferred this. Beautiful fruit. The oak was present but in no way dominant. Kevin, the shop manager, thought he tasted some spicyness on the tongue. The taster agreed and felt that this was not unknown in Mendocino wines. 3*
2005 Pinot Noir. Pretty young. The first glass showed a lot of nice earth and mushroom notes. Solid 3*. The second taste was poured from a newly opened bottle and didn't show these other notes as well. Give this wine air (and time?)
2004 Triple Play. "Shiraz," Petit Sirah, and Viognier. Very nice. A little warm, but the richness of the red grapes was complimented by smoothness imparted, perhaps??? by the Viognier. This is definitely an earthy wine, with a lovely mouth feel and the somewhat grainy (fuzzy) tannins that coat the mouth nicely. There is certainly some nice ripe red and black fruit, but the big thing is the lovely earthiness that would go so nicely with barbecue. For $23, I would definitely buy this wine! 4*+
2004 Shiraz. The first glass, I thought this was a little too angular and even hot. The alcohol level seemed higher, but the nominal values were actually below the Triple Play. The second glass, after my palate had "rested," was much better. The wine seemed smoother, but still showing some nice "fuzzy" tannins. Good mouth feel. Again, there was some nice earthyness, black pepper, and spice. A little pricey ($34) but I might still consider this one. 3.5*+
I was quite impressed.