2014 Donkey and Goat "Sluice Box" White "Rhoneish" blend (Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, PicPoul, Roussanne, Marsanne) El Dorado County 13.8 nominal abv.
I have always enjoyed this semi-orange wine (the Marsanne and Rousanne see skin contact).
This wine shares the "typical" tea-like notes (White tea, citrus (orange!) but has quite a bit of freshness and actually tastes like a "Rhone" blend more than some orange wines I have had! Another winning vintage for Sluice Box.
2011 Stags Leap Wine Cellars "SLV".
I know we killed this puppy way too soon, but the bottle was very approachable, if showing the cold 2011 character (which I love). Definitely some earthy/cedary notes with a touch of green pepper. Oak is present, but pretty balanced and not obnoxious. What stood out was the mouth feel-smooth and quite elegant already-no obtrusive tannins. Plenty of acidity and freshness. Not really a lot of "California Fruit" right now, but I am not really sure I want that in a more classically styled cabernet. We all enjoyed the bottle very much, which is the important thing.