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and photos by califusa, |
1999 Consorzio Cal-Italia Tasting |
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Since their table was right next to the trade entrance, my first stop was with
Mat Garretson of Wild
Horse. Although he was here touting Italian varietals, we know that Mat has a "thing" for the Rhonish. 1998 Malvasia Bianca - Monterey County appellation - pale straw color - sweet floral Malvasia aromas - in the mouth, this is a surprising wine - technically dry (<.25%RS) - fairly bright acids - one expects a Riesling-like sweetness, but it's a very crisp, dry and refreshing wine - would make an interesting change of pace pairing with shellfish. 1998 Pinot Grigio - labeled as Central Coast, sourced mostly from Monterey County - likewise pale straw color - offers little in the nose - and very little in the mouth. Pass. 1997 Barbera - San Benito County - Calleri Vineyard - dark garnet color - a touch of sweet cherry fruit in the nose - pleasant sweet red cherry and red plum flavors on the palate - a very smooth wine that would pair well with food. 1998 Dolcetto - Paso Robles - Juan Navaroz Vineyard - barrel sample - bright cherry color - a little tight in the nose - nyah, just a little light - lacks intensity, and lacks structure in the mid-palate. Maybe time and blending will bring this around, but not terribly impressive today. 1998 Sangiovese - Estate - barrel sample - 100% Sangiovese - very pretty purple color - pleasant bright red stone fruit flavors - but, once again, lacks a little intensity and I would expect a bit more from a Sangiovese. Mat has gained widespread fame as organizer and Grand Poobah of the Hospice du Rhone event in Paso Robles, and he's touting next year's event, where over 200 producers of Rhone varietals from around the world will be represented. The event is scheduled for June 15-17, 2000, and the Gang will be there! Next stop was with Mosby, a producer whose wines I do not know. They're from Buellton in Santa Barbara County. Their estate totals 250 acres, with a bit over 50 in production. All of the wines are Estate produced. I visited with Krystyn Freidlin, who (among other things) takes care of their website. 1998 Pinot Grigio - a light and pleasant quaffer, with a little more body than most - fairly deep fruit flavors with clean but not overpowering acid structure. 1998 Dolcetto - their first release of this varietal - the cuttings came directly from Italy. Slightly light in color - smoky cherry aromas - the cherry follows through on the palate, with bracing acidity - not a wine to sip on its own, but would pair nicely with the right foods. 1996 Sangiovese - bottled 10 days ago - to be released at the end of this month - deeper color - now, this is more like it! - identifiable varietal fruit in the nose - sweet and spicy overtones - well structured, and nice enough flavors, but there is just a touch of harsh acidity and some slightly rough tannins on the front of the palate. Maybe this just needs a little time to smooth out and come around. 1995 Nebbiolo - ruby color - some plummy fruit aromas - this is clearly the smoothest and best balanced of their wines - it has good structure, and is very pleasant on the palate - this would be a great pasta wine. Pepi was next, and I chatted a bit with Dave Pramuk, who handles sales and marketing (and also works with our friends at Robert Biale Vineyards - BTW, all of Biale's fruit is in, with the exception of Monte Rosso - including 5 tons of Syrah, that came along with the Zinfandel from Grist. Syrah from Biale! - now, that's something to look forward to. But, I digress...) 1998 Teroldego - Central Coast - made from the Refosco grape - medium/dark color - lovely purple and black plum aromas - ah! this is very nice - a very smooth entry - nice medium weight and medium intensity fruit in the mouth - a very clean finish - a most enjoyable wine. 1998 Barbera - 50% Kunde Vineyard, 50% Ukiah - the aromatics need time to develop, but again, nice well structured, medium weight and medium intensity wine on the palate - there are some smooth tannins in the mid-palate that need to resolve, but all in all, a nicely put together wine. 1997 Sangiovese - California appellation - from a variety of sources around the state. Medium garnet color - pretty, sweet cherry fruit peeking through with a touch of spice in the nose. It's quite a lovely wine! 1996 Colline de Sassi - Napa Valley Sangiovese - last year at this tasting, their 1995 edition of this wine was my #2 pick of the tasting, so I was really looking forward to sampling the younger sibling - pretty medium color - very sweet and ripe Sangiovese fruit aromas - again, delicious spice well integrated with good varietal fruit - and it has that sort of dense and deep black stone fruit/road tar/earthiness that I enjoy so much. Very impressive!! 1997 Due Baci - 50% Sangiovese, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon - lighter aromas, with a hint of pleasing stemminess - very lovely, but difficult to identify fruit flavors, with a hint of the earthiness I found in the previous wine, but a little bit brighter - equally good structure and mouth-filling qualities - smooth tannins and a clean finish. Both of these wines are real winners!!! |
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