$20 Above

WineSpeak USA Fab 50 of 2012

From the kick off of this blog on January 17, 2012 through tonight, I have reviewed approximately 250 wines. I would like to give special recognition to 50 of those wines, along with one winery that has really stood out this year.

WINE OF THE YEAR/RED WINE OF THE YEAR: Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Napa Valley’s Groth Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is an unforgettable, regal wine that electrifies the senses and does the highly lauded Oakville AVA proud.

WHITE WINE OF THE YEAR: aMaurice Cellars Columbia Valley Viognier 2010
aMaurice Cellars features a flat-out impressive lineup of both white and red wines. Their Columbia Valley Viognier is a delicate, beautiful, and exciting wine that is quite obviously made with care.

$20 BELOW RED WINE OF THE YEAR: Gifford-Hirlinger Stateline Red 2009
With their 2009 Stateline Red, a Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend, Gifford-Hirlinger proves that there are age and cellar-worthy Cabs available for under $20.00. Retailing at a mind-boggling $16.00, I have purchased more individual bottles of this wine than any other this year.

$20 BELOW WHITE WINE OF THE YEAR: Tempus Cellars Evergreen Vineyard Riesling 2011
Of all of the high quality, low-priced Rieslings that I tasted this year, the Evergreen Vineyard Riesling from Walla Walla up-and-comer Tempus Cellars led the pack. Wine consumers everywhere should rejoice that wines like this one are available for $16.00!

WINERY OF THE YEAR: Rotie Cellars
Winemaker/owner Sean Boyd is doing some amazing things with Rhone varietals at Rotie Cellars in Walla Walla. I had the opportunity to sample six of Rotie’s current releases, highlighted by the 2010 Southern Blend, and I simply can’t recommend their wines enough (if you can find them).

FAB 50 OF 2012

  1. Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($125.00)
  2. Woodward Canyon “Artist Series” Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($54.00)
  3. Long Shadows Wineries Pirouette 2007 ($50.00)
  4. Rotie Cellars Southern Blend 2010 ($40.00)
  5. Rasa Principia Reserve Syrah 2008 ($85.00)
  6. Ridge Geyserville 2009 ($35.00)
  7. Carlisle Montafi Ranch Zinfandel 2009 ($45.00)
  8. Rotie Cellars “Little G” 2010 ($45.00)
  9. Long Shadows Wineries Sequel Syrah 2007 ($50.00)
  10. Buty Columbia Rediviva Phinny Hill Vineyard 2008 ($48.00)
  11. aMaurice Cellars Columbia Valley Viognier 2010 ($25.00)
  12. Maison Bleue Graviere Upland Vineyard 2010 ($45.00)
  13. Gramercy Cellars Third Man GSM 2009 ($45.00)
  14. Rasa Doctrina Perpetua Syrah Block 5 Bacchus Vineyard 2009 ($60.00)
  15. Betz La Cote Rousse Syrah 2007 ($55.00)
  16. Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2010 ($65.00)
  17. aMaurice Cellars Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2009 ($28.00)
  18. Buty Connor Lee Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 ($32.00)
  19. Proper Syrah 2010 ($36.00)
  20. Ravenswood Teldeschi Vineyard Zinfandel 2008 ($35.00)
  21. J “Barrel 16″ Pinot Noir 2010 ($75.00)
  22. Wild Horse Cheval Sauvage Pinot Noir 2008 ($60.00)
  23. L’Ecole 41 Estate Merlot 2008 ($36.00)
  24. L’Ecole 41 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard 2008 ($49.00)
  25. Saviah Cellars Une Valee Walla Walla Valley 2009 ($32.00)
  26. Ravenswood Barricia Vineyard Zinfandel 2008 ($35.00)
  27. Ridge Lytton Springs 2009 ($35.00)
  28. Girard Artistry 2008 ($40.00)
  29. MacPhail Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2010 ($39.00)
  30. Trio Vintners Plaisir 2009 ($26.00)
  31. Stolpman Estate Syrah 2009 ($34.00)
  32. Gifford-Hirlinger Stateline Red 2009 ($16.00)
  33. Erath Pinot Noir Estate Collection 2009 ($34.00)
  34. Trefethen Dry Riesling 2010 ($22.00)
  35. Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2009 ($36.75)
  36. Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley 2010 ($28.00)
  37. Aberrant Cellars Confero Pinot Noir 2009 ($35.00)
  38. Reininger Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2008 ($42.00)
  39. Seghesio Rockpile Zinfandel 2010 ($38.00)
  40. Mackey Vineyards Concordia 2009 ($38.00)
  41. Tempus Cellars Evergreen Vineyard Riesling 2011 ($16.00)
  42. Syncline Mourvedre 2010 ($30.00)
  43. Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2009 ($38.00)
  44. K Syrah “Pheasant Vineyard” Wahluke Slope 2010 ($35.00)
  45. Mackey Vineyards Merlot 2009 ($36.00)
  46. Tamarack Cellars Merlot Columbia Valley 2008 ($28.00)
  47. Kontos Cellars Merlot 2009 ($32.00)
  48. Sequoia Grove Carneros Chardonnay 2009 ($28.00)
  49. Amavi Cellars Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2010 ($29.00)
  50. Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2011 ($12.00)
**Please note that detailed reviews and tasting notes for these wines can be located via the “Search” feature in the right column.
Posted on December 8, 2012 by Nick in $20 Above, $20 Below, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Red Blends, Riesling, Syrah, Viognier, Washington, Wine Column, Zinfandel 4 Comments

$20 Above: Maison Bleue Graviere 2010

Maison Bleue Family Winery has been generating plenty of buzz in recent years with their highly acclaimed red and white wines, most of which consist of Rhone varietals. Winemaker and owner Jon Martinez left his career as an oral surgeon in the Midwest to found the winery in Prosser, Washington (there is hope out there, restless professionals!). The 2010 Graviere is the first Maison Bleue wine that I’ve tasted (note that a review for their 2010 Jaja G/S/M blend will be forthcoming). The 2010 Graviere in particular has been a media darling, with a score of 96 from Wine Enthusiast and a 95 from the Rhone Report. After tasting it, it’s easy to see what all the fuss is about. Although several of Maison Bleue’s current releases are sold out, there are a few still available for purchase on their website.

Maison Bleue Graviere 2010

Date Tasted: 11/16/12

Price: Suggested Retail is $45.00

From The Winery: 14.5% alcohol. 75% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, 5% Grenache. Upland Vineyard. Snipes Mountain AVA (Washington). 245 cases produced.

Impressions/Notes: Maison Bleue’s 2010 Graviere is perhaps the most intense G/S/M blend that I’ve had this year. This blend is particularly heavy on the M (Mourvedre), which makes up 75% of the wine. It presents with an attractive deep ruby color, and the nose is teeming with bright, pure red fruits, particularly red cherry, strawberry, and watermelon. There are also notes of lightly roasted meat, menthol, and garrigue. It’s on the borderline of medium and full bodied, with laser sharp fruit flavors, a slight touch of oak on the back palate, and a ridiculously long, lingering finish. Best of luck to anyone seeking out this wine–it’s currently sold out at the winery, but you never know where it might turn up.

Rating: Highly Recommended (90-94), 4/5 Value 

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Posted on November 17, 2012 by Nick in $20 Above, Mourvedre, Red Blends, Washington 5 Comments

$20 Below: Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre 2010

Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre, Contra Costa County (CA) 2010

 

Price: Suggested retail is $16.00 (purchased for $13.00)

Date Tasted: 7/15/2012

From The Winery: 14.5% alcohol

Impressions/Notes: Immediately after pouring, this Mourvedre was emitting a nose of strawberry, pan drippings, and a slight rubber aroma. The rubber aroma quickly vanished, and aromas of blueberry, allspice, and an interesting floral component. Well-balanced with chalky tannins and a bit of an oak presence on the finish. An excellent value for this underrated Rhone varietal!

Rating: Recommended (86-89), 4/5 Value 

 

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Posted on July 17, 2012 by Nick in $20 Below, California, Mourvedre 2 Comments

Rotie Cellars 2010 “Little G” and “Dre”

Little G and Dre. At first mention, these names sound a bit like a young and an old school rap artist. This being a wine blog and all, I’m referring to the recent 100% Grenache (Little G) and 100% Mourvedre (Dre) releases from Rotie Cellars. For those not familiar with Rotie Cellars, they are located within the city limits of Walla Walla, Washington and specialize in Rhone blends. As I recently discovered, they’re also making some excellent varietal wines as well.

My first experience with Rotie Cellars occurred on a trip to Walla Walla in late May. I had read some good things about Rotie online, so I booked an appointment and visited the winery, where I tasted their Northern Blend, Southern Blend, and Southern White (reviews can be found here). What really struck me was the buzz about Rotie Cellars and winemaker/owner Sean Boyd around the Walla Walla wine community. Of the 20 or so wineries that I visited, I’m not exaggerating when I say that Rotie Cellars was mentioned as a must-stop by greater than 50% of the winemakers/staff that we came across.

Several factors lead me to believe that Rotie’s wines are going to be practically unobtainable within a few years. There’s a growing buzz about the winery, the wine is excellent and well-priced (they’re most expensive bottle at this time is $45.00), and the production is very low–currently at 2000 cases per year. I can’t help but think that this scenario is one high Wine Advocate score away from playing out (and Parker and co. like their Rhone blends and varietals). One way to stake a claim to Rotie’s future releases is to join their wine club and enlist with the ranks of the Rotiesians. The Little G and Dre are noted as “Club Only Releases” on Rotie’s website.

 

Rotie Cellars Little G 2010

Price: Suggested retail is $45.00

Date Tasted: 6/23/2012

From The Winery: 100% Grenache, 14.1% alcohol, 100 cases produced

Impressions/Notes: Dark ruby in color. Presented with red berries and an alluring garrigue aroma. As it opened up a bit, menthol and watermelon joined the party. After my first taste, I made the comment that it was “very Pinot Noir-like” (I subsequently read the tasting notes on Rotie’s website which also made that same comparison). Medium-bodied, with flavors of cherry and light cedar, along with the previously mentioned watermelon and menthol. Refreshing, with generous acidity. An outstanding effort that really showcases what Grenache can do in Washington. Gin and Juice? Not for me–I’ll take the Little G.

Rating: Highly Recommended/Stellar (92-96), 4/5 Value 

 

Rotie Cellars Dre 2010

Price: Suggested retail is $45.00

Date Tasted: 7/3/2012

From The Winery: 100% Mourvedre, 15% alcohol, 100 cases produced, sourced from Block #34 of Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA

Impressions/Notes: Garnet in color, with subtle aromas of cherry, rhubarb, and smoke on the nose. Light-medium in body, with generous acidity appearing after the mouth-watering cherry flavor sits in. Ended with a super-clean finish.

Rating: Recommended/Highly Recommended (88-92), 2.5/5 Value 

***Disclaimer- These wines were received as samples from the winery.

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Posted on July 15, 2012 by Nick in $20 Above, Grenache, Mourvedre, Washington, Wine Column Leave a comment

Washington/Oregon/Colorado Wine Tasting

On June 26th, I attended a tasting in the Denver-area organized by Argonaut Liquors, featuring wines from Washington, Oregon, and Colorado. I was already beginning to have some serious withdrawals from my massive exposure to Washington wine in late May/early June, so naturally I was grateful for the opportunity to taste some more Washington wine and hoped to stumble across some of the bottles that I sampled in Walla Walla. Indeed, I did get the chance to re-sample Buty’s Rediviva of the Stones and Connor Lee Vineyard Chardonnay ( I previously reviewed them here), two excellent wines. A producer that I was very happy to become acquainted with was Syncline. Their Subduction Red blend and Mourvedre were very impressive and extremely well-priced.

One of the next American wine regions on my list is the Willamette Valley in Oregon, so my main focus was to sample as much Oregon Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris as possible. Of the several pinot noirs that I tasted, Erath’s Dundee Hills bottling stood out the most. As most of my exposure to pinot noir has been of the California variety, it was great opportunity to get a better feel for the contrast that Oregon’s pinots provide.  On the “white side” the A to Z Pinot Gris, which retails for $13.00, is a steal at this price.

The one disappointment of the evening was the lack of Colorado wines available for sampling. Their may have been fifteen bottles tops and I was only able to get around to tasting the wines of one Colorado producer, Bookcliff Vineyards (Infinite Monkey Theorem was also there but I tasted and reviewed several of their wines earlier this year). Bookcliff’s Reserve Cabernet Franc and Viognier impressed–unfortunately, I do not have the retail prices for these two wines to include below.

WA

  • Saviah Cellars Big Sky Cuvee 2008 ($35.00) Big, lush, and ripe, with well-integrated tannins. Made me miss Walla Walla! Highly Recommended (90-94), 4/5 Value 
  • Syncline Subduction Red 2010 ($20.00) A hodgepodge of Rhone varietals make up this ripe, velvety, medium-bodied blend. Highly Recommended (90-94), 5/5 Value 
  • Syncline Mourvedre 2010 ($30.00) Smooth cherry deliciousness, with a strong acid presence. Highly Recommended (90-94), 4/5 Value 
  • Forgeron Cellars Blacksmith Merlot 2008 ($18.00) Big on aroma and flavor, very nice expression of fruit. Recommended (86-89), 4/5 Value 
  • Syncline Rose Columbia Valley 2010 ($18.00) Very dry, crisp, with soft strawberry notes. Recommended (86-89), 3/5 Value 

OR

  • Erath Pinot Noir Estate Collection 2009 ($34.00) Aromatic, light and silky, with strawberry, dill, and bubble gum aromas. Highly Recommended (90-94), 4/5 Value 
  • Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2009 (38.00) Cherry and earth elements dominate on this nice, sturdy pinot. Highly Recommended (90-94), 4/5 Value
  • Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2010 ($40.00) Subtle cranberry aromas gave way to a flavor explosion in the mouth. Highly Recommended (90-94), 3/5 Value 
  • Argyle Pinot Noir Nuthouse 2009 ($50.00) Raspberry, cedar, and dill aromas, with a clean lingering finish. Highly Recommended (90-94), 3/5 Value 
  • A to Z PInot Gris 2010 ($13.00) Zestful, dry, loaded with citrus. A slight bit of greenness. Recommended (86-89), 4/5 Value
  • Elk Cove Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2009  ($29.00) Big on fruit and big on acid. Recommended (86-89), 3/5 Value

CO 

  • Bookcliff Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve 2009 ($??) Smooth, with super ripe fruit and sweet spice. Recommended (86-89)
  • Bookcliff Vineyards Viognier 2011 ($??) Bright, with tempting peach and floral aromas. Recommended (86-89)

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Posted on July 9, 2012 by Nick in Cabernet Franc, Colorado, Merlot, Mourvedre, Oregon, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Red Blends, Tasting Events, Washington, Wine Column 2 Comments
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