Winemaker Notes
-Wine Enthusiast
The 2002 REDS is huge, and in any other year, it would have qualified for !ZaZin. It's intensely purple-black, exploding with aromas of exotic spices, black fruits, minerality, cocoa bean, ultra-ripe berries, and is decadently luscious. Not exactly the Laurel Glen house style, but that's what the vintage produced, so that's what we made, and I've got to say that this confirmed cabernet drinker has indulged in a number of bottles over the past several months when well spiced foods appear on the table and has enjoyed every one to the last drop!
Like the recently released 2001 Counterpoint, the 2002 REDS has an overlay of suavity and opulence that complements its deep, dark, almost rustic core. This is not accidental. We have made tremendous efforts to refine our projects on Sonoma Mountain, Mendoza, and Lodi. All REDS vineyards are under our control: we carefully monitor irrigation, crop levels, and harvest conditions. In the winery, we ferment in small batches, which preserves the integrity of the vineyards, and age the wines in 60 gallon oak barrels. Quantities produced are significantly lower than in previous years in keeping with our increasing commitment to quality.
Professional Ratings
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!