10 Top Vineyards and Bottles
04/10/2013 10:12
Life & Style
10 Top Vineyards and Bottles
1. Monte Rosso Vineyard: One of California's oldest vineyards, it was first planted in 1880 and, is known for firm Cabernet Sauvignons as well as intense, old-vine Zinfandels. Owned for decades by the Martini family, it now belongs to Gallo. The best bottle is easily the 2002 Ravenswood Monte Rosso Zinfandel. This blackberry-rich Zinfandel shows clearly why Monte Rosso deserves its fame.
2. Seven Springs Vineyard: A benchmark for Oregon Pinot Noir. After a legal settlement in 2001, this Willamette Valley vineyard was cut in half (the lower part is now the Anden Vineyard). But its quality is undiminished, and producers such as Bethel Heights, Patricia Green Cellars, Evesham Wood and St. Innocent all take advantage of it. Best bottle? The 2003 St. Innocent Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir – velvety black raspberry fruit plays against floral and herbal notes in this elegant wine.
3. Seven Hills Vineyard: Now one of Washington State's best-known vineyards, it was once an alfalfa farm – until its owners decided that grapes might be a better idea. Andrew Will, Pepper Bridge, Amavi, Januik and other top producers are thankful they made the decision. Their best wine is the 2003 L'Ecole No. 41 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Syrah. This chewy drop pairs firm tannins with spiced-plum richness.
4. Hirsch Vineyard: Perched on a ridge above the Pacific, David Hirsch's Sonoma coast vineyard uses the cool winds to help it grow some of California's greatest Pinot Noir. Producers are cult names such as Littorai and Kistler amongst others. Hirsch also makes his own eponymous bottling. The 2003 Siduri Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir is the top drop. It is a Silky Pinot, filled with seductive, sweet cherry flavor that lasts and lasts.
5. To Kalon Vineyard, first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb – Napa viticulture pioneer – and christened with a Greek name meaning "highest beauty," is one of Napa's most storied vineyards. Must try: 2002 Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Fashioned by star winemaker Hobbs, this extraordinary Cabernet is from fruit harvested in the section owned by grower Andy Beckstoffer. Velvety and powerful, it's loaded with luscious black currant flavor.
6. Peay Vineyard: Nestled in the far north-western corner of the Sonoma coast is the this up-and-coming star , with fruit going to top names like Williams Selyem and Ryan; the Peays keep the rest for their own label. The 2002 Renard Peay Vineyard Syrah is a must-try. Powerful and dense, this wine from Bayard Fox offers wild notes of roasted meat and black pepper.
7. Bien Nacido Vineyard is a vast property in California's Santa Maria Valley, supplying lush Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and other varieties to more than 40 producers, among them Ojai, Qupé, Au Bon Climat and Testarossa. Don’t miss the 2003 Longoria Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir. Winemaker Richard Longoria sources this coolly herbal Pinot full of red cherry flavor from some of the oldest vines on Bien Nacido.
By:
Cm_a The Contentlab
https://contentlab.webnode.com/
Bookstore: