What a great event, Frank and Jill, you outdid yourself once again… It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and meet new friends… It was a perfect day for wine tasting, and what a tasting it was…
I am so glad it goes to such a worthy cause as Laura’s House, and sadden that domestic violence still exists today!!! Almost 25K raised… WOW!!!
Glad the rain waited one day to come to Orange County… What a great day to recover!!! Now back to work for me…
See you at the next tasting…
Cheers,
Great, now I’m hungry.
That’s a lot of sausage.
Here’s a good one, 6 tri tips, 3 porterhouse, and loads of sausage. For you east coasters that don’t know what these crazy California’s grill. Tri-tip - Wikipedia
Looks fantastic!
Did anyone see Mike G’s request to merge his tasting note thread into this one?
I was amazed at the number of whites this year compared to the past - rhis category may need to usurp the ‘main table’ currently housing pinot next year!
Cheers!
I have a feeling that many of those who attended the “after party” after all that wine may still be comatose. ![[drinkers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/8/82916bed5ad74ac8470bc04089d9758b0c80c9fa.gif "drinkers"){kind=small}
Sorry I couldn’t stay!
To all of you, thank you. I feel fortunate and honored that all of you continue to donate your money to this cause, that the winemakers continue to send me wine every year that fuels the event and for all the kindness and generosity, as well as education that we create every year to help stop domestic violence. I would encourage if you are reading this thread to please click the link below, give me 5 mins of your time to learn about domestic violence.
Brig, thank you for setting the example. Your speech was moving for me, and to know that through the connection of wine, you have put so much of your own time and resources into volunteering to the charity these past many months. Well done, buddy.
To the crowd who attended from afar, who sent wine or beer for the auction. To those who attended and created the terrific day we had, it was a great weekend. We raised just over $24,000, of which $13,500 came from the garage, and the rest at the front door.
A thank you to Ladd Cellar, Copain, Lucia, Rhys, Copain and Big Basin, who all passed through and beyond the support milestone of at least 5 years committed to Falltacular. Know that if you are spending money with these wineries, that they are supporting our event.
So many others to thank, I will just ask that you visit the Event File and look at the wineries and people who dedicated their money and resources to the event.
Until next year, THANK YOU! It’s my privilege to be able to continue Falltacular.
Here’s a list of the wines. Thanks for the kind words, it’s been my pleasure.
RECVD YEAR WINERY DESIGNATION TYPE AVA COMMENT
2 2012 ALESIA Alder Springs Chardonnay Mendocino County
2 2012 ALESIA Alder Springs Pinot Noir Mendocino County
2 2008 ARCADIAN Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2008 ARCADIAN Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2008 ARCADIAN Pisoni Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2007 ARCADIAN Stolpman Syrah Santa Ynez Valley
2 2013 AUGUST WEST Graham Family Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
2 2013 AUGUST WEST Rosella’s Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2013 AUGUST WEST Sierra Mar Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2013 AUGUST WEST Peterson Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2010 BAILIWICK Cabernet Franc Russian River Valley
2 2011 BAILIWICK Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2011 BAILIWICK Michaud Pinot Noir Chalone
2 2012 BAILIWICK Borderline Pinot Noir Marin County
2 2012 BAILIWICK Sangiacomo Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2013 BAILIWICK Vermentino California
2 2012 BIG BASIN Homestead Block Roussanne Santa Cruz Mountains
2 2012 BIG BASIN Lester Family Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains
2 2012 BIG BASIN Alfaro Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains
2 2011 BIG BASIN Grizzly GSM Blend Santa Cruz Mountains
2 2012 BIG BASIN Homestead Syrah California
2 2011 BIG BASIN Old Corral Syrah Santa Cruz Mountains
arr 2/20 2012 CABOT Pinot Noir Anderson Valley
arr 2/20 2012 CABOT Zinfandel Humboldt County
arr 2/20 2012 CABOT Kimberly’s Syrah Humboldt County
arr 2/20 2011 CABOT Marier Vineyard Syrah Humboldt County
2 2012 CAMPESINO CELLARS Sangiacomo Old Lakeville Syrah Sonoma Coast
2 2013 CAMPESINO CELLARS “Alina”–La Prenda Roussanne/Grenache Sonoma Valley
2 2013 CARLISLE CMP Colombard, Muscadelle, Palomino Sonoma County
2 2013 CARLISLE Rossi Grenache Sonoma County
2 2013 CARLISLE Montafi Zinfandel Russian River Valley
2 2012 COPAIN Monument Tree Pinot Noir Anderson Valley
2 2010 COPAIN Kiser En Haut Pinot Noir Anderson Valley
2 2011 COPAIN Kiser En Bas Pinot Noir Anderson Valley
2 2011 COPAIN Baker Ranch Syrah Anderson Valley
2010 CORE Elevation Sensation Grenache/Syrah Paso Robles
2 2014 COWAN CELLARS Ribolla Gialla Russian River not-skin fermented
2 2013 COWAN CELLARS Bel Sauvignon Blanc/Ribolla Gialla North Coast
2 2012 CRAWFORD FAMILY Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills new winery
2 2012 CRAWFORD FAMILY Walk Slow Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills new winery
2 2013 CRAWFORD FAMILY Tin Shack Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills new winery
2 2012 DOMAINE DE LA COTE Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills new winery
2 2012 DOMAINE DE LA COTE Bloom’s Field Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills new winery
2 2012 DOMAINE DE LA COTE La Cote Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills new winery
2 2012 DUNSTAN Durell Chardonnay Sonoma County
2 2012 DUNSTAN Durell Pinot Noir Sonoma County
2 2013 FOGLINE VINEYARDS Estate–Zephyr’s Block Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
2 2012 FOGLINE VINEYARDS Floodgate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
2 2012 FOGLINE VINEYARDS Sun Chase Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2012 FOGLINE VINEYARDS Fogline Neighbors Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2012 FOGLINE VINEYARDS Grist Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
2 2013 FOGLINE VINEYARDS Swan Block (Estate) Rose of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2013 HARRINGTON Berardo Lagrein Paso Robles
2 2012 HARRINGTON Luna Matta & Berardo Nebbiolo Paso Robles
2 2013 JEMROSE Egret Pond Viognier Bennett Valley
2 2012 JEMROSE Cardiac Hill Syrah Bennett Valley
2 2012 JEMROSE Foggy Knoll Grenache Bennett Valley
2 2010 KENDRIC VINEYARDS Pinot Noir Marin County
2 2013 KENDRIC VINEYARDS Viognier Marin County
2 2013 KUTCH McDougall Ranch Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2013 KUTCH Bohan Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2013 KUTCH Falstaff Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2012 KUTCH Falstaff Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2011 LADD CELLARS Cuvee Abigail Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
1 2011 LADD CELLARS Moore Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
1 2011 LADD CELLARS Pratt Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2011 LADD CELLARS Nash Mill Pinot Noir Anderson Valley
2 2014 LIQUID FARM Rose
??? 2013 LIQUID FARM White Hill Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills
2 2013 LIQUID FARM Golden Slope Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills
2 2013 LIQUID FARM La Hermana Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley
2 2013 LIQUID FARM Bien Bien Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Sierra Mar Vineyard Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Rosella’s Vineyard Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Durell Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Parmelee-Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Graham Family Vineyard Pinot Noir Russian River
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Keefer Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir Russian River
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Russell Family Vineyard Pinot Noir Paso Robles
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Aubaine Vineyard Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo County
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills
2 2013 LORING WINE COMPANY Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills
2 2009 LORING WINE COMPANY Blanc de Blancs Sparkling California
2 2010 LORING WINE COMPANY Blanc de Blancs Sparkling California
2 2009 LORING WINE COMPANY Rosé Sparkling California
2 2010 LORING WINE COMPANY Rosé Sparkling California
2 2014 LUCIA Lucy Rose of Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2012 LUCIA Garys’ Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2012 LUCIA Garys’ Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2010 MATTHIASSION Red 5 Bdx varietals Napa Valley
2 2012 MATTHIASSION White Sauv Blanc + Ribolla + Semillon + Tocai Napa Valley
2 2011 NOVY Rosella’s Vineyard Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2011 NOVY Garys’ Vineyard Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2013 POE Ferrington Chardonnay Anderson Valley
2 2013 POE Manchester Ridge Pinot Noir Mendocino Ridge
2 2013 POE Van Der Kamp Pinot Noir Sonoma County
2 2013 RASI WINE COMPANY Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
2 2013 RHYS Bearwallow Pinot Noir Anderson Valley
2 2012 RIVERAIN Cardiac Hill Syrah Bennett Valley
2 2012 RIVERAIN Tench Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
2013 RIVERS-MARIE Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2013 RIVERS-MARIE Silver Eagle Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2013 RIVERS-MARIE Thieriot Chardonnay
2 2013 SANDLER Peterson Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2013 SANDLER Boer Pinot Noir Chalone
2 2013 SANDLER Bien Nacido Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley
2 2013 SANDLER Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
2 2013 SANDLER Buck Hill Zinfandel Sonoma County
2 2013 SANDLER Connell Syrah Bennett Valley
2 2012 SIDURI Sonatera Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
2 2012 SIDURI Van Der Kamp Pinot Noir Sonoma Mountain
2 2012 SIDURI Soberanes Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
2 2013 SIDURI Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
2 2013 SOJOURN CELLARS Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
2 2013 SOJOURN CELLARS Sangiacomo Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2013 SOJOURN CELLARS Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2013 SOJOURN CELLARS Rodgers Creek Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2 2012 SOJOURN CELLARS Beckstoffer Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
2 2012 SOJOURN CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
2 2012 SWITCHBACK RIDGE Peterson Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
2 2012 SWITCHBACK RIDGE Peterson Petite Sirah Napa Valley
2 2012 TABLAS CREEK Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge Rhone Red Paso Robles
2 2002 TABLAS CREEK Esprit de Beaucastel Rouge Rhone Red Paso Robles
2 2012 TABLAS CREEK Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc Rhone Blanc Paso Robles
2013 TERCERO WINES The Outlier Gewurztraminer Santa Barbara County
2013 TERCERO WINES Grenache Blanc Santa Ynez Valley
2013 TERCERO WINES White Hawk Viognier Santa Barbara County
2013 TERCERO WINES Roussanne Santa Ynez Valley
2014 TERCERO WINES Mourvedre Rose Happy Canyon
2009 TERCERO/CABOT Les Deux Comtes Syrah/Grenache/Viognier Humboldt/Santa Barbara County
2010 TERCERO WINES Watch Hill Grenache Santa Barbara County
2011 TERCERO WINES Mourvedre Santa Ynez Valley
2010 TERCERO WINES White Hawk Syrah Santa Barbara County
2010 TURCHI Hallauer Sangiovese Santa Ynez Valley
2013 VIRAGE Rose of Cabernet Franc Napa Valley
2007 VIRAGE Cabernet Franc/Merlot Napa Valley
2008 VIRAGE Cabernet Franc/Merlot Napa Valley
2010 VIRAGE Cabernet Franc/Merlot Napa Valley
2011 VIRAGE Cabernet Franc/Merlot Napa Valley
arr 2/20 2012 WIND GAP Gaps Crown Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
arr 2/20 2012 WIND GAP Armagh Syrah Sonoma Coast
arr 2/20 2012 WIND GAP Syrah Sonoma Coast
arr 2/20 2013 WIND GAP Windsor Oaks Pinot Gris Chalk Hill skin
One more photo from the weekend…
Well, I can’t really add anything other than a huge thanks to the Murrays for their hospitality, generosity and leadership; and to everyone connected to this event. I’ve watched this event grow into something I think many of us from the beginning never imagined. I’ve learned about domestic violence and how prevalent it is in our community. I’ve learned how great it feels to lend support and to share in the camaraderie. To see the contributions we as a community can accomplish is truly gratifying. And the party is no slouch either. It certainly is a blast attending this reunion of sorts and seeing so many, now old friends, as well as meeting those for the first time. I can’t wait for the 10th Anniversary Falltacular.
And a personal thanks to FM3 for changing that avatar.
What a great day! Proud to be a part of this event and to have contributed since my first vintage. Margaret is awesome and they are doing great work at Laura’s House for a group that desparately needs it. You are a rock, FMIII.
Brig’s speech brought me to tears. That is the epitome of what this event is all about - yep, it’s a great party and the food and wines are spectacular for sure. But it’s why we are there - and it’s not all ‘happy’. The story of you ‘smiling’ and perhaps feeling bad about it, but realizing that you KNEW that the woman in the shelter was going to be taking a positive route based on where she was struck a chord.
What continues to fuel me going back is NOT the great wines - and there were many. It is NOT the great food - and I’m bummed I missed out on the continuous stream of BBQ post 2pm but I’ll live. It was NOT the after party with those ‘in the know’ extolling the virtues of specific brews unlike any other group I’ve seen. It was NOT the thai food at the after party - which hit the spot, FMIII
It was the people - from other winemakers hanging out and just letting their guards down and enjoying themselves to folks that have truly become good friends over the past decade and who I don’t get to see often enough. It’s the Jay Carrol’s, who introduce themselves to you so that you can put a face with a name. It’s the Mike Grammars, who fly in from friggin CANADA to take part in this event, sweater and all. It’s soooo many others that I can’t name them all . . .
And above all, it’s Frank and Jill. Period. To see you two smile and somewhat relax and enjoy yourselves - priceless. And one thing I dig probably more than other about you two - your humility. We can all learn from that, my friends . . .
Cheers.
Great and heartfelt words from everyone. Larry’s reasoning echoes mine—food and wines great, weather terrific, wonderful cause…but I come to see my 120-130 friends. It’s such a fantastic experience for me. Every year.
Since a merge for threads doesn’t seem to be happening I’ll block-copy my notes here:
Another spectacular event, a record number of people, great weather, incredible food, super company and the wines…really, it is absolutely worth the flight down (and, regrettably, back!) from Toronto. Tremendous that Ted and JoAnn Erfer could again come from Philly and this year Jay Carroll and his wife were able to make it from Chicago.
One of the hard things about this unique day is that you just can’t taste everything. Thus regret—I only got to a couple of Ed Kurtzman’s wines. Missed the Sojourn Cabs (got upstairs too late). Didn’t end up getting the chance to taste any of Eric Lundblad’s pinots (though I kept hearing good things throughout the day–I did taste the chard), missed a good many whites and roses. Ah well, hopefully that’s where some of the other guests will augment these notes.
Here we go then, with the 51 wines I did get to taste. In order of consumption
2013 Rhys Bearwallow Pinot Noir
Frank was pretty excited this was here, as very few people have tasted this yet. Holy rose petals, really that and potpourri, very unique aroma. The merest baby right now, tart raspberry and cranberry mix with a sage element. Not tannic structure, but long lines nonetheless. Plenty of promise. #8
2013 Poe Manchester Ridge Pinot Noir
This also throws plenty of florals but has plenty of earth too. Lean and zippy, some cedar and raspberry here. Needs time.
2013 Poe Van de Kamp Pinot Noir
Pretty—flowery, strawberry, lots of “juiciness” to sniff at. This is lighter than the Manchester Ridge, but I like it, has a smoothness and light sweetness to the berry fruit, touch of saffron at the back. This is done in a nuanced style that puts me in mind of Kathleen Inman’s wines. Good.
2012 Kutch Falstaff Pinot Noir
Frankie’s WOTY last year and now I see why (I haven’t opened any of mine yet). Ahhh–smells like luxury. Great strawberry, baking spices, touch of sandalwood and dusting of cocoa. Drinking really well already, zings around the mouth with very balanced and bright berry fruit. Nick of coffee grounds and potpourri at the back. Great wine, #4 today.
2012 Alesia Alder Springs Pinot Noir
Bouquet has more potpourri and raspberries, a little pomegranate. Initial hit of cherry and crabapple on the tongue, but it blends into some woodsy berry notes too. Good length and acidity here.
2013 Rivers Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Coffee and cocoa-infused cherry and strawberry scents. To taste, strict but good drive, quite pure berry and some spiciness too. Check again in a year’s time.
2014 Liquid Farm Vogelzang Rose
Wow–heady and heavenly aromas of watermelon, kiwi and citrus. Drinks light and fresh, cranberry snap, tangy but mists off the tongue at the end. The nose is the calling card here, but overall a big like for me, #10
2013 Liquid Farm Golden Slope Chardonnay
Mm–pineapple on pancakes? Orange blossom wafts up the glass too. Tasty frame, but I find this more structured and layered than the 2012 version. Guessed 14.2%, 14% listed. A bit jumpy right now but should settle down.
2013 Liquid Farm White Hill Chardonnay
aromatics have ginger and even a dash of cinnamon sugar for me, to go with white fruit. Not as precise and less drive than the 2012, but I like this version too, it show beautiful craftsmanship with citrus, apple, pink grapefruit and lilac. #9
2013 Liquid Farm Bien Bien Chardonnay
Flower/hibiscus and also a rather saline side, maybe even a small nip of motor oil? Fruit is citrus and unripe pineapple. Authoritative and with front and back bite, this needs the most time but does have explosive pineapple, melon and toffee sides. Try again in 2 years, could be terrific.
2013 Rivers Marie Theriot Chardonnay
Nose of, well, all I can describe it as is smoked buttertart and underlying honeydew and lilac. The palate is a dream—velvety, lush yet not at all torpid. Wonderful balance, creaminess and life with citrus, bits of toffee and whole peach. It complements the nose to make a fantastic whole. #1 WOTD, I have not taken to Thomas’ Theriot bottlings before, so this was a terrific surprise. Bravo.
2008 Arcadian Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay
Melons and also a dry mustard element makes for an intriguing bouquet. Wood varnish perhaps? This is still big and bold, has a fine frame and zappy citrus. A real spicy character. Different.
2013 Ladd Cellars Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
A sort of sea air freshness here. Dandelions and pear. Dans la bouche, nice lightness of being, more pear and some nectarine. Maybe a bit short on the finish, but what’s in the mouth is enjoyable indeed.
2013 Rivers Marie Joy Road Chardonnay
Oak is more prevalent here for me, and it’s a bigger wine for sure, replays of tropical fruit and butterscotch. Settles down with subsequent tastes but lacks the elegance, balance and magic for me of the Theriot.
2013 Rivers Marie Silver Eagle Pinot Noir
Spicecake and dark cherry aromas, a li’l cola too, or sarsaparilla maybe. Needs…time…blazing sharp right now, lots of fruit underneath but needs…time…like 5 years.
2008 Arcadian Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir
Great clove-filled nose, dark strawberry. In a very fine spot now, carry and length with defined black fruit and baking spice overlay. Overall very balanced. #11
2008 Arcadian Pisoni Pinot Noir
Scents of earth, as I find this vineyard tends to be. Dark cherry and sweet blackberry. This does still need time–grips and rips with stemmy red and black berries and a sidebar of herbs.
2012 Bailiwick Sangiacomo Pinot Noir
Major espresso and cocoa side to the strawberry and crabapple bouquet. Mm—this is delicious! Nice round sweetness, even a touch of meat on the cherry fruit. #7
2013 Kutch Bohan Pinot Noir
Was excited to try this new SVD from Jamie. Earthy and even a little gamey at the start, cinnamon tinged raspberry comes through later. Good solid expression, cherry and earth mix, more time should smooth it out, but the whole cluster is showing itself at this point.
2013 Sojourn Cellars Rodgers Creek Pinot Noir
Touches of tomato leaf, spices, herbs, cherry. Interesting mix. Has some signature Erich Bradley creaminess to it, fruit is there, but somewhat unresolved at this point. Raspberry and boysenberry mix. I expect this to come into focus in 6 months or a year.
2011 Tercero Mourvedre
Mocha lovely with plum, underlying dust and earth aromatics. Really, this hits my spot so much, length acidity and bold spiced red fruit. And this has an extra level and gear this year. Larry is nailing this variety without question. A pure pleasure to drink, one that I might have been tempted to go back for seconds. #3
2012 Switchback Ridge Peterson Family Petite Syrah
Tarry for sure, black pepper deluxe, dark chocolate nuzzie. Palate is super-rich, super sweet and super-big. Um, yeah. 16.5%. Plum and a framing of licorice, I think. This will probably last forever.
2013 Carlisle Montafi Zinfandel
Bouquet is brambles with blackberry compote. Some raisin but definitely controlled. Textured and replays but some spice gets added. Very young and kinetic right now, promising.
2013 Kutch McDougall Pinot Noir
I love McDougall anyway, but I am starting to understand why Jamie has said this is probably his best vintage yet. The sensational nose–perfume and cherry essence, all with some earth threading through. And on the tongue, this is potentially tremendous–so much flavoured, elegant power. Cherry and sweet herbs, raspberry. Not could–this will be stunning. #2 today.
2013 Sojourn Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir
A nice mix of baking spices and sweet red fruit–raspberry and plum. Palate is lovely, smooth and velvety with nicely sweet replays. Very good.
2011 Copain Kiser en Haut Pinot Noir
Supercharged cola, cherry and plum bouquet for me. Le gout is a fine mix of zippy entry and cool follow. Blackberry tang at the back. A wine full of interest that should be better in 2 years.
2012 Siduri Sonatera Pinot Noir
Cardamom, cloves and sandalwood float around dark strawberry and a little citrus fruit. Definitely has character–cherry & strawberry, some cola and a red licorice side. For all these parts, the whole works for me. Like.
2013 Kutch Falstaff Pinot Noir
An already refined set of aromatics, light spice and rose petal accent berry and citrus. Even so young, has a thrilling quality about it, length, purity of feel, red berry, watermelon and citrus. Dee-lish. #6. With my #2, 4 and 6, Jamie kicked it today.
2010 Big Basin Old Corral Syrah
Black cherry, dark plum, smoke and meat aromas. Rich to taste, but not over-rich, tons of pepper edgeing to plum and blackberry replays.
2012 Jemrose Cardiac Hill Syrah
Big black cherry here and some motor oil too, also a sense of baked black licorice. Coats the cheeks completely, too sweet and rich for me with blackberry and boysenberry jam.
2012 Wind Gap Syrah
Reticent bouquet, I do get licorice and plum with some swirling. This has flow, but the fruit–blackberry, tart blueberry, plum–and black pepper are all broken up right now. Maybe comes together with time.
2007 Virage Napa Meritage
A very curious cinnamon bun slash with an underlying touch of dill and pine needle to accentuate blackcurrant and black plum. This comes in at 14.4% (guessed 15%), it certainly has some warmth to it–there’s cherry and plum and the cinnamon bun is on the breathe-back. Quite interesting.
2011 Virage Napa Meritage
Some of the same cinnamon bun and plum elements as the 2007, but I like this better–the lines are longer and it has more authority with blackcurrant and plum in the fore.
2012 Fogline Dry Creek Zinfandel
A very seductive chocolate-covered sultana raisin aromatic. Palate is soft, balanced and a little sultry, with raisin and blueberry follow-through, but with a fresh side that’s quite nice. Much more than decent, #12
2012 Crawford Family Walk Slow Pinot Noir
Liking this, a cedar and sandalwood combo and coffee crisp too, nice bouquet. Follows through with ripe red fruit and some replays. Just a hair on the sweet side, but still very enjoyable and well made.
2013 August West Rosellas Pinot Noir
Herbs, berries and light baking spices sniffs. Already a roundness to this, berry and crabapple fruit with a dash of mocha. Good and will be better. What I’d expect from Ed with Rosellas.
2014 Tercero Mourvedre Rose
I enjoy the apple skin and pink grapefruit nuzzie. Very tasty and fresh–has a bold line but still great verve. A winner. #13
2013 Cowan Cellars Bel North Coast White
Bready-yeasty aromatics here, melon and some banana. A lot of bounce-around dans la bouche. Interesting but not necessarily my cup of tea. I get some lemon and perhaps banana custard on palate.
2012 Fogline Sun Chase Pinot Noir
Spices, almost hint of pepper, strawberry and cranberry fruit. Tangy with some rhubarb, pomegranate and berries. Good and different.
2013 Loring Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir
Aromas are of slightly sweet red berry and plum fruit. Soft, some cola here, but balanced by the strawberry and cherry fruit. Quite nice.
2013 Loring Durell Pinot Noir
Enticing baking spices, allspice too, kirsch and black strawberry. Here, sarsaparilla, and chewiness to the cherry primary. OK.
2013 Loring Cargasacchi Pinot Noir
high-toned cherry and black forest cake scents, with macerated plum. Tongue finds tangier fruit, has plenty of lively berry and life to it. Good lines, I like this and would want to revisit in a year.
2013 Sojourn Sangiacomo Pinot Noir
Very attractive spice, meat, berry and cherry bouquet. And already, everything is in balance to taste, fine flow, flavor filled with cherry, plum and pomegranate. Should be great #5
2012 Dunstan Durell Pinot Noir
Presents as dark chocolate, rooty with small berry and currant fruit. Sweet but smooth, sticks to your cheeks with rhubarb and bing cherry.
2013 Sandler Buck Hill Zinfandel
For aromatics, I get raisins, molasses and some dates. Thick and kind of syrupy today, raisins and plum, but heavy for me.
2013 Tercero Viognier
Traces of honey and lanolin and perhaps some lilac in the schnozz. Palate finds good level of flavor, peach and pear leading out, almost a hint of gooseberry too, which Larry confirms he’s also gotten at this early stage. Interesting for sure.
2013 Tercero Roussanne
Delectable bouquet of pear, star fruit, jackfruit and ginger. Still somewhat straitlaced but very promising aromatic replays here. Give it another 2 years.
2013 Jemrose Egret Pond Viognier
This is the only wine today I really didn’t like. Although the aromatics are nice with dollops of honey and honeysuckle around pear and vanilla, I wonder about VA on this bottle, because it hits really hard, like the feel of poire William or something, with a very bitter and hot entry.
2012 Siduri Soberanes Pinot Noir
Very spice-driven nose. Rhubarb, apple pie and citrus come to mind with strawberry. Spicy and sweet with rich berry fruit and some chocolate-soaked cherry. A bit to frontal assault for me right now, but good building blocks.
2013 Sandler Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir
A pure strawberry and pomegranate mix wafts up the glass. Turns raspberry and spice on the taste. Good length and acidity. Give time.
I also finished with a taste of the 2014 Cowan Cellars Ribolla Gialla—didn’t make a note, but liked its freshness and forthrightness.
Looking forward to others’ impressions. Again a huge thanks to Frank and Jill and the whole team of other volunteers and huge congrats as well, as initial returns sound like a total of $25k was raised for this very worthy cause.
A bientot, j’espere.
Mike
Falltacular is my favorite event of the year. A relaxed and congenial place to chat with interesting folks, taste some great wines and be a part of Laura’s House’s important work and expansion. Looking forward to many more years.
The late addition of the 2013 Ladd Cellars Sonoma Coast Chardonnay (2 bottles) didn’t make the official roster but was in attendance. Also, second bottles of the Moore Ranch and Pratt traveled down with me, rather than being shipped (didn’t have access to them when shipping).
+1. Please.
In addition, I did pour a sample for a few of my new 2014 Albarino 
Cheers!
I posted this in the offline section…but seemed better here!!
I will pile on with saying just how great the weekend was. Jill and Frank- thank you so much for your hospitality and generosity. The planning, coordination and opening your lovely home to all is really something special. Laura’s House- such a great cause.
It was so fun to meet so many that I feel I know already from WB and Facebook. I tried to introduce myself to as many as I could- figured wearing a Blackhawks Tshirt and shorts was a giveaway that I was an out of towner!
The array of wines- stupendous. My goal was to try many that I was not familiar with and there were plenty ! And the food- crazy, delicious and well needed!!! The grill guys did a great job- Diane and I had key seats right at the grill. And then the after party…more food, champers and beers- have to admit we were both pretty tired but 8pm!
Diane and I were talking on the way home- how nervous she was about going to 2 days of events with a bunch of people she has never met- nor had the “virtual” relationship that I do. After about…5 minutes all was great, comfortable and every single person we met was just awesome- even Dietz. The WB crew is really something. Raising all this money for Laura’s House. Since it was his Bday recently- how all helped out Bob Wood’s family with his sudden passing. Really makes me happy and proud to be a member of the Berserker community. My hat is off to all!!
Thanks to the Murray’s again- and Brig and Mike and all others who worked the grill on Saturday. I have got to find some of those Croatian sausages- they were great.
Back to reality- and a 70 degree change in temps…-5 this AM!!
Funny story about the Croatian sausage. It shows up at the grill with fifty pounds of other stuff and Mike looks at me and says “should we make this into patties?” Hell, I don’t know what do you think?
We decide to throw it on as is. The guy who brought it shows up and says “let me know when they’re done, I have a sauce for them”
Disaster averted!
He made them from scratch, lamb, beef and pork. It’s the national dish of Croatia called Cevapi.
Cevapi- yum! Last summer a friend grilled some that he got at a local butcher.