The 2nd day of the Tour saw me in Cleveland to have some true quality time with two of my best friends, Dave Smith and Andrea Corbett-Smith. Andrea and I have known each other since kindergarten and Dave and I since university. I “celebrated” the end of Passover with some homestyle Italian takeout–Lasagna in my case.
2019 Kutch Mendigo Ridge Pinot
This was my first try of Jamie’s new site and I was pleased. It is different, in a way I like, from the mainline 3 vineyards. Here, the nose and mouth are gentle and lilting and sweet with strawberries and some rhubab. The freshness quotient is nicely in play and, not austere or acidic, it has a gentle liveliness on the tongue. Glad I have more.
2019 Model Farm Staiger Vineyard Chard
I know the quality of the site and I know the quality of the winemakers, so I had fairly high hopes. The hopes were well-founded. First of 6 for me, I wouldn’t open these for at least 2 years, but everything I want out of Santa Cruz Chard is here for me–great lemon-lime conversation with a rub of talc and all with near-thrilling acidic carry. At the back end, some light oak backbreathe and a whisper of almond as well. There is promised complexity not coming out yet. Rewarding experiences are coming.
This was another day with friends on a trip that is already restoring my soul
Haere Ra
Mike