TN 2003 Wolff Vineyards PN

WINE TALK
1

When Melissa scored a couple of remarkably pungent local white truffles for dinner, we agreed that the meal really deserved to be matched with a local Pinot. Imagine our surprise when the only Oregon Pinot we could come up with in our kitchen was an '04 Bergstrom that was just a little too special to burn up on a Monday evening, truffles notwithstanding. We dug a bit deeper and unearthed a souvenir from a previous SoCal holiday - a 2004 Wolff Vineyards Edna Valley San Luis Obispo Estate Dijon Clones Selection. Whew.

As I recall, Wolff was a pleasantly low-key place just south of SLO. Seems like the tasting room was nothing more than a pleasantly-appointed mobile home and patio area situated on a hillside in full view of the Edna Valley and 125 acres of grapes. I believe they mostly sell their grapes to other producers, reserving a small amount for their own processing.

After popping the cork, both Melissa and I remarked on the vibrant nose on this wine. It’s got lots of brambly raspberry overtones, along with nice funky earthy stuff, and even some spicy notes going on. 14% alcohol, but not a lot of heat. A few swirls in the glass releases more red fruits and earthiness. The wine is a clear, pure garnet with a hint of copper at the rim. On the palate, assertive acidity and considerable tannic structure - this wine isn’t over the hill by a long shot. My impression is that 2003 was a hot year in CA just like everywhere else on the planet, but this wine isn’t an unstructured fruit bomb at all. On the contrary, it’s fairly elegant and restrained - if not terribly complex. It’s kind of a one-trick pony, but it’s a pretty nice trick. The texture isn’t as silky as some Pinots, but it’s lively and pleasant. Finish is sweet but relatively short.

I thought the wine paired nicely with our dinner. It wasn’t profound by any means, but it was a pleasant and somewhat sophisticated accompaniment. Over-extraction, oak, and general goopiness were nowhere to be found.

2

Thanks for the note Steve. At least one of you posts notes. :stuck_out_tongue: Some of us had a great recent experience with a Wolff wine from an Italian variety that made for a very nicely balanced drink. We were quite taken aback. Need to make a note to check out this producer more often.

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Wow…look out…the new guy writes some serious notes! Rock on Steve! [dance2.gif]

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Don’t be silly.

Melissa writes them, he just signs his name.

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Cris: teroldego? I think we tried some there, but I have absolutely no memory of what it was like.

Zach: I seldom make notes, but this was a pleasant surprise tonight, so I was, ahem, inspired.

Todd: Melissa doesn’t necessarily write the notes, but she maintains editing authority. No sense trying to fight it.

6

That’s the one Steve. My friend Lisa who was also at the dinner made another remark to me yesterday when I saw her about how good it was. And she does not have much love for a lot of Cali wines. Here’s the thread of my notes:
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No sense? You mean no option.

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Steve, great notes. What I remember most about the winery (besides the Teroldego, which tangentially, is a grape we also tried at Mosby. I’m not aware of any other US producers who grow it) is the owner-winemaker’s enthusiasm and congeniality. It was a really fun place to stop.

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Hey wait, I posted notes yesterday!

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Too amusing. My wife likes to tell me how to write my blog - screens my photos too. I tell her to go make her own damn wine blog…but, of course, she doesn’t listen.