TN: Santa Cruz Wineries on SCMWA Passport Day

WINE TALK
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SANTA CRUZ WINERIES ON SCMWA PASSPORT DAY - Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz, California (1/16/2010)


Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association members open to the public four times a year, on the third Saturday of January, April, July and November. This quarter I decided to head down to the southern end of the AVA to visit one of my favorite SCM producers of Pinot, as well as Portuguese varietals–Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards. They are located on Ingalls Street in Santa Cruz, in part of the complex that used to house Bonny Doon. Several other wineries have also moved in to that complex, which also includes a shrunken Bonny Doon operation, and the new Bonny Doon Restaurant. I originally thought we’d start the morning off there, and then head over to taste at a couple of other wineries in Aptos, but there was so much to do in and around the Ingalls Street complex (and the lines for tasting got to be so long by mid-afternoon) that we decided to spend the whole day there, including sampling a number of tasty small and large plates at the Bonny Doon Restaurant.

Besides Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards, the best wines of our tasting day came from Odonata, the new label of Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards’ Assistant Winemaker Denis Hoey; Silver Mountain, which produces some lovely Pinots; and a couple of the wines at Hillcrest Terrace, where Prof. Joe Miller is the winemaker.
Bartolo

  • 2007 Vinos Bartolo Minerva - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Clara Valley
    Medium dark red color with pale meniscus; menthol, dried red fruit, pepper nose; light-medium bodied, tart red fruit, pepper palate with firm tannins; medium finish (47% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre; 9 mos. in neutral oak) (86 pts.)
  • 2007 Bartolo Cioppino Rosso - USA, California, Central Coast
    Medium dark red color; herbaceous, tart plum, prune nose; tart black fruit, herbaceous, pepper palate; medium finish (61% Syrah, 20% Chardonnay, 19% Mourvedre) (85 pts.)
  • 2006 Bartolo Syrah - USA, California, Central Coast
    Medium dark red violet color; blackberry, berry, chocolate nose; ripe blackberry, berry, chocolate palate; short-medium finish (50% new oak) (86 pts.)
  • 2006 Bartolo Merlot - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Clara Valley
    Dark red violet color; chocolate, blackberry, berry pie nose and palate, lacking structure; short-medium finish (100% new American oak, 18 mos.) (85 pts.)

Bonny Doon
Sandy, Wes and Ginny at Bonny Doon Restaurant

  • 2007 Bonny Doon Vineyard Cinsault - USA, California, Central Valley, San Joaquin County
    Dark red violet color with clarity; light tart plum, dried berry nose; light-bodied, dried berry, tart plum palate; short-medium finish (87 pts.)

Copious

  • 2007 Copious Winery Mourvedre - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Shenandoah Valley
    Medium dark red color with pale meniscus; tart berry, pepper nose; tight, tart berry, mineral, pepper, black fruit palate; medium finish (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Copious Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Shenandoah Valley
    Dark red violet color; black fruit, licorice nose; tight black fruit, licorice, berry, black raspberry palate; medium finish (86 pts.)
  • 2007 Copious Winery Petite Sirah - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Shenandoah Valley
    Dark red violet color; tar, black fruit, blackberry nose; tight, tar, black fruit, licorice palate; medium-plus finish (87 pts.)

Equinox

  • N.V. Equinox Harmony Cuvee - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Light medium yellow color; toasty, yeast, baked lemon nose; baked lemon, kumquat, yeasty, lime palate that’s a little hollow midpalate; medium finish (71% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir) (87 pts.)

Hillcrest Terrace
winemaker Joe Miller

  • 2008 Hillcrest Terrace Winery Chardonnay - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Bright canary yellow color; light butter, lemon nose; light on attack, lemon, citrus palate, lacking structure; short finish (85 pts.)
  • 2007 Hillcrest Winery Sauvignon Blanc Cedar Lane Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Seco
    Light yellow color; focused, grassy, tart citrus nose; tart citrus, grapefruit palate with medium acidity; medium finish (88 pts.)
  • 2008 Hillcrest Terrace Winery Chardonnay Regan Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Light golden yellow color; light lemon, citrus nose; solid lemon, citrus palate with structure and good acidity; medium finish 88+ pts. (Mount Eden clone; barrel fermented, no new oak) (88 pts.)
  • 2008 Hillcrest Terrace Winery Pinot Noir Regan Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Medium garnet red color with pale meniscus; tart cherry, strawberry nose; tart strawberry, red fruit palate with a touch of spritz; short finish (84 pts.)
  • 2007 Hillcrest Terrace Winery Pinot Noir - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    Medium garnet red color; brett, tart berry, horseradish nose; tart berry, brett, horseradish, white pepper palate with firm tannins; medium-plus finish (smells and tastes a lot more like a Cotes du Rhone than a Pinot) (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Hillcrest Terrace Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Central Coast, Carmel Valley
    Very dark red violet color; nice cassis, blackberry, currant nose; tight, youthful, cassis, currant palate with good balance; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)

Odonata
Denis Hoey

  • 2008 Odonata Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Light canary yellow color; nice tart lemon, baked lemon, orange oil nose; young, tight, tart lemon and oak palate that should integrate well; medium finish (25% new French oak) (89 pts.)
  • 2008 Odonata Grenache Alta Mesa - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Light medium red color with clear meniscus; sandalwood, bright red fruit nose; nice, berry, white pepper palate with good acidity; medium finish 89+ pts. (95% Grenache, 5% Syrah) (89 pts.)
  • 2007 Odonata Malbec St. Olof Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast
    Dark magenta color; floral, olallieberry, orange peel, berry pie nose; light-medium bodied, ripe berry, olallieberry, orange peel, plum palate with balance; medium finish 90+ pts. (90 pts.)
  • 2007 Odonata Durif McDowell Valley Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino
    Medium red violet color with pale meniscus; tart satsuma plum and cedar nose; tight, tart cherry, satsuma plum, cedar palate; medium finish (88 pts.)

Pelican Ranch

  • 2008 Pelican Ranch Trois Amis Blanc Deer Park Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Light medium yellow color; floral, honeysuckle, pear nose; ripe, honeyed pear, poached pear, orange blossom palate; medium finish (40% Marsanne, 40% Roussanne, 20% Viognier) (86 pts.)
  • 2008 Pelican Ranch Chardonnay Mitsuko - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros
    Light canary yellow color; cream, lemon chiffon, vanilla nose; oak, vanilla, lemon cream palate with low acidity; medium finish (85 pts.)
  • 2008 Pelican Ranch Mourvedre - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Contra Costa County
    Cloudy brown raspberry red color with clear meniscus; ripe satsuma plum, olallieberry nose; tight, tart satsuma plum, anise palate, a little volatile; short-medium finish (82 pts.)
  • 2007 Pelican Ranch Pinot Noir Babcock Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
    Medium cherry red color with pale meniscus; ripe cherry, berry nose; monolithic, berry, tart cherry palate with low acidity; medium finish (84 pts.)
  • N.V. Pelican Ranch Heritage Raspberry - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz County
    Medium dark cherry red color; VA, big raspberry, raspberry jam nose; hot raspberry, berry palate, lacking acidity; medium finish (81 pts.)

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards

Silver Mountain

Sones Cellars

  • 2008 Sones Cellars Canción del Mar - USA, California
    Pale yellow color; light grassy nose; tart lime, ripe grapefruit palate with good acidity; short-medium finish (blend of Viognier, Torrontes, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc) (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Sones Zinfandel - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Clara County
    Medium cherry red color with pale meniscus; ripe currant, berry jam nose; nice currant, tart berry, blueberry palate; short-medium finish (88 pts.)
  • 2007 Sones Petite Sirah French Camp Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
    Barrel sample - dark maroon color; deep black fruit, tar, licorice, clove nose; tight, tasty, tart black fruit, berry, licorice, plum palate; medium-plus finish 89-90 pts. (89 pts.)
  • 2008 Sones Zinfandel Wiedeman Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Clara Valley
    Barrel sample - dark cherry red color with pale meniscus; aromatic, blackberry, boysenberry pie, anise nose; concentrated, ripe black fruit, boysenberry, anise palate; medium-plus finish 88-90 pts. (88 pts.)

Trout Gulch

  • 2007 Trout Gulch Vineyards Chardonnay La Pecherie - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Bright light yellow color; lemon, vanilla, lime nose; vanilla, oak, lemon cream palate; short-medium finish (84 pts.)
  • 2006 Trout Gulch Vineyards Grenache La Belle Petite Poulette - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Light cranberry red color; tart berry, black fruit nose; tart berry, cranberry palate; short finish (84 pts.)
  • 2007 Trout Gulch Vineyards Pinot Noir La Source - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Medium cranberry red color with pale meniscus; berry, tart cherry, herbal nose; cherry, cinnamon, tart berry palate; medium finish 87+ pts. (87 pts.)
  • 2007 Trout Gulch Vineyards Le Trianon - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Very dark red violet color; herbaceous, green bean, black fruit nose; herbaceous, green bean, black fruit palate with firm tannins; medium finish 85+ pts. (85 pts.)

Vino Tabi

  • 2007 Vino Tabi Pinot Gris - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
    Light yellow color; pineapple nose; pineapple, green apple, oak palate; short finish (83 pts.)
  • 2006 Vino Tabi Chardonnay - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
    Bright yellow color; ripe lemon nose; simple ripe lemon, lemon chiffon palate; medium finish (86 pts.)
  • 2006 Vino Tabi Pinot Noir - USA, California, Sonoma County, Carneros
    Medium red color with pale meniscus; baked plum, berry jam nose; jammy, flabby, a little hot; no finish (78 pts.)
  • 2007 Vino Tabi Syrah - USA, California, Central Coast
    Very dark red violet color; grapey, blueberry nose; simple, blueberry palate; short finish (80 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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Very helpful, Richard. Some new ones to chase…Hillcrest, Odonata, and Silver Mtn. This is a fun area to hang out, for sure.

I “found” Sones the last time we went to sample the continuingly mediocre Bonny Doon offerings, and quite enjoyed what they are doing. The winemaker (can’t recall, but I bet he is a Sones…) is also Ass’t Winemaker at Bargetto, IIRC.

Any word whether Alexander Cellars is still putting out their Zins around the corner? They also produce their Sarticious Gin at that location, but it seemed to me the Zin was only a side effort.

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Michael Sones is actually head winemaker at Bargetto. I like what he and Lois are doing too, particularly with Petite Sirah.

Alexander Cellars is no more. Copious now occupies that spot. Lance is a former partner in Mount Aukum, hence the Sierra Foothills
wines that Richard tasted, but is sourcing fruit locally now. I didn’t realise that he had got his licensing and labeling sorted out.

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Dave,
Thanks for fielding that one. It’s nice to have the true SCM expert available to keep us updated on fast moving developments in our AVA. And I like what the Sones are doing too. Everything they poured was good, and a good value, and the Petite Sirah barrel sample we had showed a lot of potential, as did the Zin.

So did you make it to Michael’s on Main on Saturday and, if so, how were the wines?

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I finally got out of the house around 12:30. Zoe had a playdate and I had to be back for 5:00 to pick her up so went straight to Michael’s On Main.

I need to figure out how you do those CellarTracker reports; in the meantime I’ll just cut-and-paste from my blog.

Dancing Creek
One of the newest wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains is Dancing Creek. They released their first wines - little more than a barrel of each - at the end of last year. Though they only plan to make around 400 cases a year they have their own winery as well as a half-acre Chardonnay vineyard that is not yet producing. The fruit comes from several local growers including Bargetto’s Regan Vineyard, Zayante and Nicholson. Zinfandel, Syrah and Pinot Noir are not yet released. You can follow them on Twitter: @DancinCreekWine
2008 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced from the Nicholson vineyard.
Nose is slightly musty, with notes of lemon thyme. A lighter bodied wine; crisp, with green apple and grapefruit, and a note of burnt sugar on the finish. 86
2008 Merlot, Santa Cruz Mountains
From the Regan vineyard. A nice deep garnet colour, though hazy from being unfiltered and shaken in pouring. Nose shows smoke and some tart fruit - cherry?
Earthy plum flavours, good tannin & acidity, dry finish 86

Bruzzone Family
John and Berna Bruzzone planted an acre of Chardonnay in Scotts Valley 1999. Then in 2005 they planted a second, 7 acre vineyard about half a mile away.
The wines are made by Matt Oetinger at Fernwood Cellars. Current production is around 200 cases; this is expected to increase to over 500 cases once the new vines are fully mature and will also include a Pinot Noir.
2007 Estate Chardonnay
Straw yellow colour, with a nose of buttered toast, baked apple and vanilla.
It’s creamy with some lemon notes. The acidity is light and it shows lots of oak, particularly on the finish. It’s well made but there’s too much oak for my taste. 84 $27
2008 Estate Chardonnay
The 2008 vintage was harvested 3 weeks later than the 2007 and includes some fruit from the new vineyard. This has the same straw colour as the 2007, but the oak is much less obvious. Nose of lemon and stone, good apple and lemon fruit flavours, more acidity and a clean, crisp finish. 88 $27
(I nearly bought some of this, but I’m on a self-imposed embargo on Chardonnay since I realised that all the dry whites in my cellar are Chardonnays)

Aptos Creek Vineyard
Terry and Mary Kay Parks founded Sycamore Creek Vineyards in 1975. They retired in 1989 and moved to Aptos where they established a 2 acre Pinot Noir vineyard. This was purchased in 2001 by Andrea Vollersen who began producing wines under the Aptos Creek Vineyard label. The first vintages were made at Hallcrest by Kenny Likitprakong and John Schumacher; when Kenny moved to Moshin in 2005 he continued as winemaker. The latest vintages are being made by him at Beauregard’s facility in Bonny Doon. The wines are 50% whole cluster fermentation and see 50% new French oak for 18 months. The vineyard is at 200’ above sea level and so carries the Santa Cruz County appellation; the winery is grandfathered into the SCMWA.
2004 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz County
Medium garnet colour. Nose of Bacon fat, smoke and black cherry. Rich and spicy with flavours of cherry and cinnamon, good balance, touch of cocoa on the finish. 89 $28
2001 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz County
Slightly lighter colour than the 2004 with an amber tinge to the meniscus.
The nose is very funky with leaf mulch and earth; I expected earthy flavours too but was surprised by bright redcurrant, blackcurrant and black cherry fruit. Good depth of flavours, nice acidity, probably at its peak right now. 90 $28
(I bought a bottle of the 2001)

Clos Tita
Dr David Estrada is a dentist by trade. Around 1990 he planted 700 Pinot Noir vines around his home in Scotts Valley. The vines are closely spaced and farmed in a sustainable manner with minimal intervention.
Clos Tita was bonded in 1997 and is named after his wife, Britta. The first release included two Pinot Noirs - an Estate and a “Cuvee” blend of estate and purchased fruit, as well as a Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the years these three wines have been the mainstay of production, though the Cabernet Sauvignon is now a blend called “Gironde”. In addition the winery occasionally releases a Syrah or Syrah blend.
2005 Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
The Estate is aged for 2 years in new French oak. The nose shows earthy cherry and spicy, smoky oak. Full bodied, with rich, earthy fruit and a dry, earthy finish. Very young; needs 3-5 years cellar time. 90+ $36
2005 “Cuvee” Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
The Cuvee includes fruit from the Branciforte Ridge vineyard and sees less oak. While still earthy and smoky the nose shows much more cherry and less oak notes. There’s nice, rich cherry and brambly fruit with some spice. Much more fruit-forward than the Estate, this is clearly one to drink while waiting for its sibling. 90 $30
2005 “Gironde”, Santa Cruz Mountains
A 50/50 blend from two small vineyards; Cabernet Sauvignon from Saratoga and Merlot from Los Gatos. The nose is smoky with brambly notes. There’s nice blackcurrant fruit and light oak. Reminds me of Mount Eden’s Saratoga Cuvee. 89 $27
2003 “Sierra Azul”, Santa Cruz Mountains
A blend of Syrah, Merlot and Viognier.
Light nose. On the palate the Syrah shows with black fruit and white pepper notes, and a dry finish. 86

Cordon Creek
Matt Buchanan and Roger Biringer teamed up as home winemakers in 1996. The following year Cordon Creek was launched. Though based in San Jose, the winery focuses on Bordeaux grapes grown in Amador and El Dorado counties, part of the Sierra Foothills AVA. Over 100 wineries were established in the Sierra Foothills during the Gold Rush, and many old vineyards still remain. With land prices much lower than in the better known AVAs the area has a reputation for big, ripe fruit and good values.
2003 Cabernet Franc, El Dorado
A fruity but fairly one-dimensional wine with tobacco and blackberry notes. 81
2003 Meritage, Sierra Foothills
Nose shows oak and brambles which follow on to the palate. There’s a spicy, possibly jalapeño component and a nice finish. 87
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sierra Foothills
Sweet blackberry, almost jammy nose. Lots of ripe berry fruit and chocolate. 85
2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, OBrien Vineyard, El Dorado
Blackcurrant nose with a slightly metallic tinge. Plenty of smooth, ripe blackcurrant fruit and a hint of liquorice. 85
2002 Meritage, Sierra Foothills
As with the 2003 the nose is oaky and brambly and there’s lots of fruit, though the 2002 had more tannin. Surprising that this is 7 years old, it doesn’t show. 87

I had planned to visit Hillcrest, but there wasn’t time, so I went there on Sunday. Alison insisted on coming with me and bringing Zoe and Jamie, but the kids weren’t behaving so I only managed to visit Hillcrest, SCMV and Sones. If I’d known Copious was open I’d have gone there. I’ve not written up the SCMV and Sones notes; I’ll post them when I have, but I think they pretty much tally with yours.

Hillcrest Terrace
Joe Miller is a former professor of astronomy at UC Santa Cruz, and a long time amateur winemaker. Having retired from the University he decided to start a small commercial winery among the growing band of vintners around Swift and Ingalls in Santa Cruz.
The fruit is all purchased, with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot coming from Bargetto’s Regan Vineyard. No new oak is used; everything is at least 1 year old. Current production is around 800 cases, with plans to slowly expand to around 2000 cases.
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco
Lovely citrus, grassy nose. Lots of acidity; flavours of lemon, pear and green apple. Crisp finish 88 $15
(Bought one of these)
2008 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains
All Clone 4, from the Regan Vineyard. Unfined and unfiltered.
Creamy lemon nose. Lightly oaked, red apple and a little vanilla, good finish. 88 $18
2008 Pinot Noir, Regan Vineyard
Fermented in stainless steel with an ‘oak chain’ added.
Bright garnet colour. Nice cherry/raspberry nose, lots of cherry fruit, light acidity. Initially showed some pithy bitterness on the finish and was too cold; gained weight after it had warmed up. 88
2007 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
From Talbott’s Sunny Slope Vineyard.
Darker colour than the Regan, nose was earthy with black cherry. Richer and more full bodied; lots of black cherry and currant fruit with some coffee on the finish. 89

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Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard was founded in 1974 by Ken Burnap. He purchased the century-old Jarvis vineyard from David Bruce; the land had been replanted with Pinot Noir by Bruce 5 years previously. SCMV soon established a reputation for big, tannic Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignons and Durif (Petite Sirah) that would age for decades.
In 1977 a student called Jeff Emery helped out on the bottling line. Jeff continued to work part time and after graduating in 1981 he joined the winery full time. The two continued to work together for the next two decades.
In 2003 Ken decided to retire and sell the winery. Jeff was able to purchase the name, inventory and equipment, however the Jarvis vineyard and the winery were sold separately and are now known as Vine Hill Winery. Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard operated out of Bradley Brown’s Big Basin winery for a few years before moving to a permanent location on Ingalls Street in Santa Cruz. Since taking over Jeff has toned down the tannins somewhat, making the wines more appealing in their youth.
In 2009 the winery launched a second label, Quinta Cruz, focusing on Iberian grape varieties.
2006 Branciforte Creek Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
Nose shows raspberry syrup and a hint of anise. There’s good cherry and raspberry flavours, plenty of acidity and fine tannins. Needs some time. 89+
2007 Quinta Cruz Tempranillo, Pierce Ranch, San Antonio Valley
Light nose of black fruits. Good black berry & plum flavours. Plenty of tannin and acidity. Another one for the cellar. 88+
2006 Grenache, McDowell Valley Vineyard, Mendocino County
Made from 100 year old head trained vines.
Bright, smoky nose of redcurrant and rhubarb. Complex, intense red fruit, good acidity, some oak showing. Herbal, tannic finish. 90
2006 Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands
Smoky and gamey nose with black berry fruit. A meaty, rich Syrah loaded with black fruit and pepper. 90
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Luchessi Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains
The Luchessi Vineyard is on Monte Bello Road, near to Ridge.
A funky, earthy nose showing a bit of Brett. Good blackcurrant fruit and an earthy, tannic finish. Another wine that needs time. 87+
2007 Quinta Cruz Graciano, Bokisch Vineyard, Mokelumne River
Graciano isn’t a grape I’d heard of, but it’s one of the main components of Rioja.
An initial whiff of sulphur turned out to be hiding some floral notes.
On the palate - Wow - loads of interesting, spicy fruit and a note of bitter chocolate. Good acidity, soft, fine tannins. Something very different. 92
2005 Quinta Cruz Rabelo dessert wine, Pierce Ranch, San Antonio Valley
Made entirely from traditional port grapes - Tinta Roriz (AKA Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional and Tinto Cão, this is a true single vineyard, vintage wine. Some Tempranillo is harvested early, fermented and distilled at Osocalis to provide the “aguardente” spirit that is used to fortify the wine and stop fermentation.
Sooo good. Sweet but not overly so, loads of complexity backed by the tannin and flavours of traditional port grapes. Made in the LBV style, so not oxidised. This is as good a port-style wine as you’ll find outside Portugal. 95

Sones Cellars
A fellow Brit, Michael Sones was born in Worthing in the south of England. After a career as a cruise photographer, during which he met his wife Lois, they settled in the Bay Area. Following stints at Bonny Doon and David Bruce, Michael became the winemaker at Bargetto. Sones Cellars was launched in 2003; the figurehead emblem on the labels reflecting the couple’s maritime history.
Sones Cellars concentrates on Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. They also make a white blend which has had several names.
2008 Cancion del Mar, California
The name means “Song of the Sea”. It’s a blend of Viognier and Torrontés from Lodi with some Pinot Gris from the Dettamanti vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Sauvignon Blanc from Monterey.
A lovely floral nose. Light, crisp and floral with lots of white stone fruit. 90 $2
2007 Zinfandel, Central Coast
A blend, sourced mainly from the Wiedeman vineyard.
Light raspberry nose. Layers of rich, sweet raspberry/brambly fruit. 88
2007 Zinfandel, San Lucas
The San Lucas AVA lies at the southern end of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County
This has a lighter, smoky nose than the Central Coast, but on the palate it’s concentrated, tannic and intense with lots of acidity. 90 $26
2007 Petite Sirah, French Camp Vineyard, Paso Robles
A barrel sample; the wine is ready to be bottled. Michael does a particularly good job with Petite Sirah. It often makes tough, tannic wines that can (or must) age for years, but if the tannins are controlled the grape can show rich dark fruits.
The nose is smoky, gamey and meaty. There’s loads of rich, smooth black fruits and a nice finish. 89
2008 Zinfandel Wiedeman Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley
Another barrel sample, this has around 1% to 2% residual sugar.
Fruity raspberry nose and lots of sweet berry fruit. Despite the sugar there’s good tannin and acidity. 88

Okay, so what’s this doing here?

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Any ah ha’s or big new discoveries or ones to watch?

8

Not as such, but as Richard’s report clearly demonstrates the
“Surf City Vintners” group down on Ingalls and Swift is well worth a visit.

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Here’s my notes:


Odonta '08 Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray Vineyard (SCM)
Nose - deep, rich, complex, integrated, spiced persimmon.
Zingy, zesty, persimmon, lemon, nutmeg. Tight. So complex and lovely. Moderate oak. Needs time. Drink '12-'15 91 pts

Odonta '08 Grenache (Alta Mesa)
Nose - lovely, white spiciness, persimmon bread, candied lemon zest.
Lovely spice, strawberry freezer jam, lime zest, smoky, savory. 93 pts

Ondonta '07 Malbec St. Olof Vyd. (North Coast)
Nose - really nice high toned spices, dark plum, raspberry.
Pert, rhubarb pie, raspberry, lime, full spice, thinner fruit, plum. 88 pts

Odonta '07 Durif (McDowell Valley)
Nose - dark plum, spicy oak, nice.
Tobacco, ashy, Lemon zest, black currant. 90 pts

SCMV '06 Pinot Noir Branciforte Creek (SCM)
Nose - warm, slightly rustic, plum, cranberry.
Tart, bay, dusty/peppery tannin, savory, mature seeming fruit. 91 pts

Quinta Cruz '07 Tempanillo Pierce Ranch (Monterey County)
Nose - boysenberry, lemon curd, sandalwood.
Tart, excellent French oak spice, touch of tobacco, plum, blackberry. 91+ pts

SCMV '07 Grenache (McDowell Valley)
Nose - smooth, spiced plum, mango curd, white pepper, French oak spice.
Lovely tobacco, pepper, plum, French oak spice, mango curd, fig. 92 pts

SCMV '06 Cabernet Sauvignon Luchessi Vyd. (SCM)
Nose - moderate barnyard and tobacco, black currant.
Funky black currant, dusty wood, some zing. Tobacco on the finish. 88 pts

SCMV '06 Syrah Fairview Ranch (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Nose - lovely, smooth, creamy, white pepper, boysenberry.
White pepper, red peppercorn, plum, mandarin zest, smoky, savoy, bay. 90 pts

Quinta Cruz '07 Graciano Bokisch Vyd. (Lodi)
Nose - nice raisin, plum, touch of vanillin, very full.
Spiced plum with a touch of raisin and dried plum, pepper. 89 pts

Quinta Cruz '05 Rabelo Pierce Ranch (Monterey County)
Nose - sultry spiced plum/raisin/dried cranberry/marachino.
Sweet clove and nutmeg, marachino, black plum, raisin, cinnamon, peppery spice. 92 pts

Sones '08 Cancion del Mar (California)
Blend of Viognier, Torrontes, Pinot gris, Sauvignon Blanc
Nose - lovely lemon, white peach.
Underripe peach, some pith, hint of mandarin. 87 pts

Sones '08 Zinfandel Wiedeman Vyd. (SCV) barrel sample
Nose - raspberry/jujube/raisin
Sweetish, some heat, marachino, plum, zest, dark tannin. 84 pts

Vino Tabi '06 Chardonnay Silver Mountain Vyd. (SCM)
Nose - shy lemon, black sevillano olive, dried mango, touch of that SCM signature.
Pithy, underripe peach, touch of resin/solvent, musty oak, green mango. 83 pts

Vino Tabi '07 Syrah (Central Coast)
Nose - warm, smooth, sandalwood, spicy dense dark fruit, vanillin.
Spicy tobacco, dark fruit, charcoal filtered black plum. 86 pts

Bonny Doon '07 Cinsault DEWN (San Joaquin County)
The Cinsault is from a 125 year old Vineyard in San Joaquin. There’s also 15% Pinot Noir from Monterey County
Nose - smooth, shy, hint of tobacco, blackberry, pithy tangerine.
Tobacco, red currant, black plum, blackberry, touch of rhubarb. No structure. 86 pts

Silver Mountain '06 Pinot Noir Miller Hill (SCM)
Nose - shy peppery tobacco, vanilla custard, intense mineral, sweetish oak, hint of berry.
Intense, tart, smoky, berry, dried herb, bitter stemminess. 87 pts

Silver Mountain '06 Pinot Noir Muns Vyd. (SCM)
Nose - sweet flat oak spice, shy berry.
Simple berry, bitter tobacco, peppery feel, dried herb, touch of green, lemon and lime zest. 85 pts

Silver Mountain '06 Pinot Noir Estate (SCM)
Nose - ripe, sweet, boysenberry, marachino.
Sweet, touch of heat, disjointed berry fruit, orange fruit and zest, bitter finish. 80 pts

Silver Mountain '05 Syrah Weideman Vyd. (Central Coast)
Nose - sweet tobacco, savory, some dried herbs, spicy plum.
Sweetish, disjointed, some prune and herb, bitter char, berry. 81 pts

Silver Mountain '05 Cabernet Sauvignon Weideman Vyd. (SCV)
Nose - plummy/pruney, sweet.
Sweet red currant, tobacco, touch of black currant, lemon zest, dusty tannin, a bit savory. 87 pts

Hillcrest Terrace '07 Sauvignon Blanc Cedar Lane Vyd. (Arroyo Seco)
Nose - lemon, zest, grass, sweet pea.
Sharp acidity, bright lemon zest, pea, grapefruit, some minerality. 87 pts
Too acidic for some - needs food.

Hillcrest Terrace '08 Chardonnay (SCM) - Corralitos fruit
Nose - nice warm oak spice, savory, smoky, citron.
Oaky, flat, savory, citron. 86 pts

Hillcrest Terrace '08 Chardonnay Regan Vyd. (SCM)
Mount Eden Clone. Recently bottled.
Nose - smoky, pear, vanilla cream.
Spicy oak, lemon custard, savory, bay, meyer lemon. 89 pts

Hillcrest Terrace '08 Pinot Noir Regan Vyd. (SCM)
Nose - clean, fresh, pure berry fruit, excellent spice, savory smoke, dried herbs.
Zesty primary fruit, some char and green peppercorn, peppery mouthfeel, savory, pithy. Definitely needs time. 86++ pts
Has potential to dramatically improve.

Hillcrest Terrace '07 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Nose - savory, leathery, dark smoky berry, tobacco, very nice.
Leathery feel, horsey leather, tobacco, dark berries, dried herbs, sage, hint of zest and roasted plum. 89 pts (if you don’t mind brett)

Hillcrest Terrace '07 Cabernet Sauvignon (Carmel Valley)
Nose - pure blackberry and black currant, touch of tobacco.
Firm black currant, lime, peppery tobacco, dusty tannin. Needs 2 years. 89-91 pts

Equinox NV “Harmony Cuvee” (SCM)
71% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir
Nose - savory, dark toast, brett?
Fine bead, dark toast, brett, touch of lemon. 86 pts

Trout Gulch '07 Chardonnay “Le Pecherie” (SCM)
Nose - citron marmalade, smoke, dried mango.
Smooth citron, zest, meaty, touch of apricot. 88 pts

Trout Gulch '07 Pinot Noir “La Source” (SCM)
Served too cold!
Nose - savory, dried basil, rhubarb and blackberry.
Blackberry, dried basil, fennel, cranberry and rhubarb, tangerine zest, peppery tannin. 88 pts

Trout Gulch '07 “Les Trianon” (SCM) Bdx blend
Nose - intense black currant, tobacco, hint of cedar, SCM signature note.
Tobacco, barrel char, black currant, dusty tannin, lighter body. 87+ pts

Bartolo '07 “Minerva” (SCV)
47% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre. Mann Vyd.
Nose - full, light oak resin, raspberry, blackberry.
green pean and blackberry, spicy oak, touch of jujube. 86 pts

Bartolo “Cioppino Rosso” (Central Coast)
61% Syrah, 20% Chardonnay, 19% Mourvedre. Mann Vyd.
Nose - pure boysenberry, with raspberry and a touch of zest and smoke.
Raspberry, lemon zest, jujube, touch of tobacco. 87 pts

Bartolo '06 Syrah (Central Coast) Mann Vyd.
Nose - black currant, plum, cedar.
Cedary boysenberry, blackberry, black currant, dusty tannin, vanilla, orange zest. 89 pts

Bartolo '06 Merlot (SCV) Mann Vyd.
Nose - Cedar, black plum, touch of black currant and tobacco.
Tobacco, black plum, peppery, cedar and black currant, lime zest, mandarin, dusty tannin with smooth fruit. Nice. 90 pts

Copious Winery '07 Mourvedre (Sierra Foothills)
Nose - warm, meaty, dried sage, summer savory.
Meaty, dark Mourvedre fruit, sweet jujube, raspberry, char, somewhat rustic. 87 pts

Copious Winery '07 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sierra Foothills)
Nose - creamy smooth fruit, raspberry, candied zest, black plum, black currant.
Clean raspberry and black currant, limeade, dusty tannin. 89 pts

Copious Winery '07 Petite Sirah (Sierra Foothills)
Nose - dark, restrained purple fruit.
Primary dark purple fruit, char, smoke, mandarin zest, firm tannin - very grippy. Needs a few years. 87+ pts

10

Is Stefania part of this group? I just signed up to try the 07 SC Cab.

11

No, Richard’s list covers all the wineries there.
Stefania are based in Woodside; at least an hour’s drive away.

12

Wes,

Thanks for posting your notes. Those are some great descriptors. (No wonder it was taking you so long at each stop.) [wink.gif]