When it comes to California wines, I am generally of the ABC – anything but Chardonnay/Cabernet – school of thought. I usually find a majority of the Chardonnays overly oaky, a majority of the Cabernets lethally alcoholic fruit bombs, and a majority of both overpriced. Every once in a while, however, a number of wines come along that defy the stereotypes and are well worth seeking out. Noted below are two recently discovered favorites…
2011 Landmark Vineyards “Overlook” Sonoma County Chardonnay – Founded in 1974, Landmark Vineyards is known for its beautifully hand-crafted Chardonnays & Pinot Noirs. Several months ago, I reviewed their 2011 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay, a gorgeously textured wine that is more like a fine white Burgundy than a California Chard.
The 2011 Overlook, on the other hand, is produced in the classic, rich California Chardonnay style. While single-vineyard wines are still popular, Landmark sees itself as the “negociant” of the California Chardonnay harvest, using the French term for the person who selects the best grapes from many vineyards to blend into an exceptional wine. The 2011 vintage, for example, includes grapes from 21 vineyards, ranging from Sonoma in the north to Santa Barbara in the south. Each vineyard lot is whole cluster pressed and, after settling, is fermented in 100% French oak barrels with wild yeast.
The result is a medium-bodied wine that offers Chardonnay lovers plenty of smooth, buttery & spicy notes on the palate. However, the muted oak flavors do not overwhelm; and there is an excellent acidity that keeps everything in proper balance. This is an easy-drinking, completely approachable wine that pairs particularly well with comfort food.
And the 2011 Overlook is a solid value in California Chardonnay, currently retailing in the $25.00 range. This is not a wine to cellar; on the other hand, you’ll certainly want to keep several bottles on hand for near-term warm weather quaffing.
2012 Roots Run Deep “Educated Guess” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Educated Guess is Roots Run Deep Winery’s first release and their flagship wine. Proprietor Mark Albrecht is a 20-year veteran of all aspects of the wine industry, and his philosophy, along with that of winemaker Barry Gnekow, is that truly great wines can be truly affordable… I’ll drink to that!
According to the Winery, the name “Educated Guess” came about during a lively, second bottle of wine conversation about the different aspects of winemaking. And in the process of downing a few more glasses, participants agreed that even after all the issues have been debated, it usually just boils down to the same old bottom line: an “Educated Guess.”
I mean, think about it for a moment… How does one go about choosing the best wine for the money in a wine shop or restaurant? Perhaps you admire a label, recognize a name, or recall a great review… in essence you’re making an “Educated Guess.” And the very same thing is true in vineyards and wineries. Should the grapes be picked now or wait? Should the wine be aged in French oak or American oak, or both? Whether personally or corporately, we use knowledge and intuition and experience to make the best possible oenological choice… but each still remains an “Educated Guess.”
And the Winery actually designed their unique label to tell the story of how an educated guess is made in winemaking, as it shows actual chemical formulas that are either induced or occur naturally during a specific winemaking process… If all this is getting a bit heavy, maybe it’s time to just drink up and enjoy.
The 2012 Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon is a combination of 88% Cabernet, 8% Merlot, and 2% each of Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. After fermentation, it is aged for 12 months in French and American oak. It is what is often referred to as a “pop ‘n pour” Cabernet. It’s bright garnet in the glass and exhibits hints of truffle & spice on the nose. On the palate it is medium bodied with ripe fruit flavors, hints of vanilla, and soft tannins. This is a wine that neither must be decanted, nor must it sit for several hours to “open up.” It’s instantly approachable, food friendly, and downright fun to drink… And, priced at $20.00, it also gets exceedingly high marks in the value department.
Cheers!
TAD
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