Winemaker Notes
Forget the last day of school, because the hair-raising twists and turns of this pure-steel coaster are calling your name. But as soon as the harnesses lock in, you wish you were back in Algebra. Too late. You're off like a shot—strawberry jam loop-de-loops, cinnamon corkscrews, rum cake and red plum roundabouts, brown sugar tamari inversions that suck the breath from your lungs, herbal breezes whipping at your cheeks, and the sweet futile hope that by the start of next year, the other guys will forget about all your screaming.
Professional Ratings
-
Vinous
The 2019 Late Bloomer, a varietal Grenache, was aged four years on the lees. This wine seduces with a zesty blend of crushed strawberries and exotic spice accentuated by dusty roses. It is silky and nearly creamy in feel, with juicy acidity and ripe red and blue fruits. The 2019 takes on a balsamic tinge toward the close. Despite its depth and concentration, it maintains fantastic freshness, leaving the palate reeling with crunchy tannins.
-
Wine Enthusiast
This massively extracted and ripe wine will impress those seeking such a showcase but is likely too much for others. Black cherry extract, clove and cola spice aromas lead into a palate awash in cherry cordial and strawberry syrup flavors, with tons of baking spice in the mix.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!