Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
In the same league, the 2012 In The Abstract is a classic Sine Qua Non white blend of 37% Chardonnay, 31% Roussanne, 16% Petite Manseng and 16% Viognier. Coming from roughly equal parts Bien Nacido, Cumulus and Eleven Confessions vineyard, it spent just under 19 months in 48% used barrels (1-4 years old), 27% new French oak and the balance in concrete eggs. It sports a slightly darker color than the Chardonnay and offers up incredible notes of caramelized peaches, poached apples, white flowers and crushed rock that flow seamlessly to a full-bodied, decadent, yet classy and graceful feel on the palate. It’s a classic effort that doesn’t pull any punches, yet also never seems hot, heavy or puts a foot wrong. Enjoy this beauty over the coming decade or more.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
Responsible for the vast majority of American wine production, if California were a country, it would be the world’s fourth largest wine-producing nation. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of red wine styles, and unlike tradition-bound Europe, experimentation is more than welcome here. California wineries range from tiny, family-owned boutiques to massive corporations, and price and production are equally varied. Plenty of inexpensive bulk wine is made in the Central Valley area, while Napa Valley is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious and expensive “cult” wines.
Each American Viticultural Area (AVA) and sub-AVA of has its own distinct personality, allowing California to produce red wine of every fashion: from bone dry to unctuously sweet, still to sparkling, light and fresh to rich and full-bodied. In the Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate vineyard acreage. Sonoma County is best known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé and Zinfandel. The Central Coast has carved out a niche with Rhône Blends based on Grenache and Syrah, while Mendocino has found success with cool climate varieties such as Pinot noir, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. With all the diversity that California wine has to offer, any wine lover will find something to get excited about here.