Gang of Pour - Left Coast Correspondent

Hunting the Wild Grigio

Consorzio Cal-Italia 2001

Lava Cap Winery – 2000 Dolcetto – an absolutely miniscule pour – and not much offered in the aromatics, either – quite pleasant in the mouth, with sweetish, bright Bing cherry flavors – rather pleasing.

2000 Sangiovese - Again, sweetness that, I think, comes not from brightness of fruit, but from residual sugar – a thumbnail pour – it simply doesn’t allow one to get a sense of what’s going on with the wine aromatically. These wines are pleasant enough to taste, but I get the sense that it’s residual sugar that is boosting up the flavor profile.

Stolpman Vineyards – a name I recognize from other producers along the Central Coast – I was not aware that he was producing wines under his own label. 1998 is his second commercial vintage.

1998 Sangiovese – medium dusty ruby color – shy, but pretty fruit in the nose – lovely bright fruit in the mouth – medium weight – well balanced and cleanly made.

1998 Sangiovese Reserve – only two barrels produced – made by Brian Babcock. Also very nice – perhaps a little higher in acid – a tad more astringent in the finish – smooth tannins that need a little time – also very nicely balanced, and I think an excellent food wine.

These are two very nice wines from Tom Stolpman.

Swanson Vineyards – another neighbor in the Napa Valley.

2000 Pinot Grigio – faint floral and peach notes in the nose – pleasant light flavors of apricot on the palate – a rich texture and mouthfeel – could use a bit more acid, but a nice wine, nonetheless.

1999 Sangiovese – barrel sample – lovely, forward sweet Sangiovese fruit with a touch of char in the nose – likewise, rich and forward in the mouth with good weight and pleasing balance – bright acids and a clean finish. Tasting good from barrel right now.

1997 Sangiovese – poured from magnum – pretty ruby color – from the bottom of this liter and a half bottle, and the aromatics have faded just a bit. The wine is smooth and delicious with nice balance – just a hint of tannin right at the tip of the tongue, but does not detract at all. This would be my "drink with dinner tonight" wine so far.

A second taste of this wine from a freshly opened magnum reveals the aromatics to be very much alive – this wine is backbones with about 15% Syrah, which gives it a bit more depth and structure – lovely balance – a very nice offering.

Iván Tamás Winery – from the Livermore Valley - I have found these folks to be reliable producers of sound wines at sane prices.

2000 Pinot Grigio Monterey County – Finally, a Pinot Grigio with some fruit in the nose! Pleasant white stone fruit flavors in the mouth – this is a wine that doesn’t try to be something it isn’t – the flavors are fresh, and while the wine may not have the crisp acidity I would like, it is soundly crafted and well balanced, and has a clean finish. I’ve been disappointed with the Pinot Grigio I’ve tasted today, but this is a refreshing change.

1999 Sangiovese Livermore Valley – sweet, but shy Sangiovese fruit in the nose – the wine is very pretty in the mouth – it is medium body, fresh and lively, well balanced – once again, not trying to be something it is not, and succeeding very, very well. Will pair nicely with a wide variety of foods, and one of the more successful Sangiovese I’ve tasted today, and an absolute bargain at $13.99. Keep doing what you’re doing, Steve.