WTN: Division Gamay

After opening what turned out to be a corked Mount Eden Estate 2012 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir, I reached for a Division Winemaking Co. 2014 Eola-Amity Hills Gamay Noir "Cru," Methven Family Vineyards. $25, 13.7% ABV. Picked up a pair of these to fill out a case, and it's pretty good: on first opening, it has neither the florality nor the earthiness I'd expect from Gamay, but it does have focused cherry fruit and a little minerality, fanning out into a broader, slightly spicy finish, though not from wood treatment, I don't think. Over time, the front end loosens up and becomes more expressively fruity, leaning toward higher tones, and some earth comes forward in the midpalate. This is, they say, made to take some age, and I can see how it would do so gracefully: although it didn't seem shut down per se, it did feel like it has a lot of potential energy but isn't ready to release it yet. I'll hold the second bottle for five to seven years.

[David M. Bueker]

Too bad about the Mount Eden.

Purchased recently, probably replaceable. But thanks.

I had a Gamay rosé from Division a couple weeks back; really lovely wine.

I had a Gamay rosé from Division a couple weeks back; really lovely wine.

Pretty high praise from the guy who made the best American Gamay I ever had. And also has been known to make a decent Gamay Rose' every now and then.

As it happens, these Divisions were part of a case I got recently from a merchant up your way, Hoke. The primary purpose of which was to acquire some of Steve's/Aha's "Bebame" Cab Franc/Gamay, which appears to be unavailable around here. Haven't opened one yet, but it's coming soon!