We did something a couple weeks ago we haven’t done in 20 years, go to a Barrel Tasting Weekend Event. It was held in the Yorkville Highlands - Anderson Valley and since we had not been up there in a couple years it gave us the opportunity see an area that is beautiful and relatively undeveloped compared to other California Wine Regions.
There were 15 wineries participating, it is not the biggest event weekend, that belongs to the Pinot Noir Festival in May but more than enough for just about anyone.
These are just some impressions, no formal notes. We spent most of out time talking to the winemakers - tasting room personnel about the wines and also seeing the beautiful countryside.
Foursight Wines: Always a informative fun tasting and if you wanted to see differences between Pinot Noir from the same vineyard this was for you: Joe Webb owner winemaker talked about the different barrel treatments, 2018 vintage, ingredient labeling of wines etc. Had a great conversation with Joe, would have stayed even longer but a couple of large groups arrived.
2018 Zero New Oak Pinot Noir: Very fresh vibrant Bing cherry fruit, good acidity, some mild herbs, mint and spice round out the flavors. This and the next wine were my favorites though all were very good.
2018 Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir: Also very fresh cherry fruit, good acidity, spice and a touch of anise. Sees some new wood but pretty balanced even at this early stage.
2018 Clone 05 Pinot Noir: Darker fruit profile than the previous samples, Floral notes, spice, earthy notes medium acidity and some sweet tannins . Some oak spice at this point which I’m sure will integrate. Would like to revisit this in several years.
2018 Paraball Pinot Noir: An even darker cherry - berry fruit profile, spicy herbal notes, anise and rose petal floral notes. A big pinot for sure but plenty of structure to back it up. Needs time to settle a bit and come together.
If you are visiting the Anderson Valley Foursight is a must visit. Besides the pinot noirs the tasting room had other wines to try. The Foursight Semillon is always a favorite and the 2017 is tasty and begging for some food.
Barrel Tasting with Joe Webb of Foursight Wines
Halcon Vineyards: Paul and Jackie Gordon were tasting from a set up in the gardens of the Boonville Hotel and for sure they had the best location of any winery. With the temperature in the upper 70’s it was the perfect setting. I didn’t take any written notes, hopefully won’t screw this up Maybe Paul will stop in and fill in any blanks. This was our first opportunity to have a in depth conversation with them, we spoke about the wines, the Halcon Vineyard site, philosophy of winemaking etc. A super visit with two of the nicest people in the industry. My one regret is that I forgot to get a photo of them . Oh and the wines were excellent.
Barrel Sample of Roussanne: Not sure of the vintage here but this sample had energy, floral pear apple fruit, loads of acidity and was very pure. Obviously young will likely pick up some weight with some time. A miniscule amount made. Something like 27 cases.
Barrel Sample of Halcon Oppenlander Pinot Noir: Have enjoyed the Halcon Oppenlander Pinot in the past and IMO this is Paul’s best to date. Very fresh cherry raspberry fruit, floral combination of lavender and rose petal, earth and clove notes. Nice acidity and sweet tannins on the finish Tasting damn good already this will be on e to enjoy for many years. An easy futures buy.
2017 Halcon Petite Sirah Theopolis Vineyard: For those people who don’t like Petite cuz it’s “too big”, “monolithic” etc etc give this wine a try. It is not hiding that its Petite but even at this early stage it is complex. The wine is loaded with fruit but not heavy or clawing, it has a wonderful lavender perfume note, juicy, good acidity and a wonderful texture. Yes there are tannins but they supportive, sweet and don’t stick out in any way. A cooler climate Petite that is very appealing now and only going to get better.
2017 Halcon Alturas Syrah: The wine was a bit closed, Paul thought it was a bit too cold (serving from ice chest coolers can be tricky) but with some time and swirling signature aromas of black cherry, black pepper and meat. Flavors follow with black cherry, pepper, violet flowers, cedar and a mouthwatering savory note. Medium body, good acidity, my best description of the wine would be succulent fruit, beautiful texture and nice long finish.
Visiting with Paul and Jackie was a highlight of the day. Halcon does not have a formal tasting room so if you get a chance to sample the wines at an event or dinner, don’t miss the opportunity. The entire lineup is tasty and are great values. Halcon also participates on Berserker Day.
TO BE CONTINUED