Todd Taylor-zinfandels and cabs. Todd Taylor impressed me this weekend! I've had syrupy zinfandels from him before, but this lineup was quite refreshing and well-structured, with zippy acidity and fresh, not stewed berry fruit! The cabernets, from Coombsville, are always made in a somewhat classic cassis and pyrazine style that is fresh and enjoyable
2013 Due Vigne Chardonnay. This was a unique version of Chardonnay from 3,600 feet elevation in El Dorado County. Quite tangy in character. Some oak notes, but the acidity and bright minerality are dominant, along with some apple and citrus fruit. Delicious stuff, actually! The other standout to me was their 2012 Nebbiolo (also from El Dorado County) which had the tar and roses character, tannins relatively restrained....good Italian flavor and a steal at $32. Have to say 90% of Italian Nebbiolos at that price point have been disappointing!
2012 Clarksburg Wine Company "VS" Chenin Blanc I LOVE this wine. I understand what people mean when they talk about wet stone. Some citrus fruit, and definitely a rounded palate, but there is a minerality here that is consisntent across vintages. The 2012 Vigonier is actually pretty good too, with more crispness and lightness than I expect from the grape (not one of my favorites). They also have the 2012 version of their Remanance (sp?) blend, which is basically a right bank blend with a little petit sirah thrown in for oomph. Not too much, CWC wines seem to be more classically styled than many, and the Remanance had nice fruit but also some freshness and earthyness that was quite appealing!.
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In Oakland Sunday- Jeff Cohn Cellars 2003 Rockpile Syrah. I shouldn't like these wines, they are massive in alcohol in fruit. Yet, he still preserves a sense of freshness and complexity that is quite lovely. This maturing Syrah from the hot northern end of the Dry Creek Valley had some delicious earthyness and maturing bottle funk that was fantastic (and a mouthful of sediment....oh well.
)Donkey and Goat
A vertical of Fernaughty Syrah was interesting. The 2011 is still pretty acidic...not my favorite vintage. The 2012, however, was much more rounded and rich and complex on the palate, with the D&G acidity still providing a backbone of freshness. Delicious stuff. The 2008 was more similar to the 2012 than the 2011, with the advantage of the beginnings of bottle age funk making it even more enjoyable. I actually loved the 2008!
