TNs: Sea Smoke, Nalle, Brogan

WINE TALK
1

2005 Nalle Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley, CA)

13.5% abv. Popped and poured. This was my last bottle and it’s sad to see it gone. I really love the Nalle style of zinfandel. Brambly fruits and dry soil in the nose rounded out in the mouth mellow tannins, acidity and an overall elegance that’s rare in CA zin. I could drink this every night with or without dinner.

2006 Brogan Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (Sonoma County, CA)

14.2% abv. Popped and poured. Effusive nose full of red/black cherries, caramel and a touch of earth; very smooth finish although as it warmed up there was some noticeable “heat” in the finish.

I bought a few of these a while ago and have never had a Brogan until now. People have told me the Brogan style of pinot is “bigger”, but I wouldn’t describe this bottle that way.

2005 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Botella (Sta. Rita Hills, CA)

CORKED!! Man I hate that; so disappointing…

2

Bummer on the Sea Smoke. I had an incredibly corked 06 Southing last fall. Since I bought it direct, Sea Smoke was happy to refund me the $ I paid for it. (they didn’t have any bottles to send as a replacement)

3

i have also had a lot of folks tell me Margi Brogan’s wines are “muscular” or “masculine” but like you i have not found them that way thru several vintages now. they are definitely layered and not candified.

4

Completely agree about Nalle zins. I don’t know how Doug gets his zin at 13+% and everyone else is 15%, but it makes for a nicely balanced wine. And they age! I had a 94 Nalle earlier this year. It had developed claret-like complexity. They fly way under the radar, but I’ve started to lay away a case a year.

-Larry

5

I’ve never heard of Nalle but sounds like a winery to look out for!

The 2005 Botella is the only Sea Smoke Pinot I have had, but it was delicious.

6

I had a 2001 Nalle earlier this year and it was great. Just like a nicely aged Zin should be with balance and a light touch.

7

LOVE the Nalle zins. So elegant.

8

Brett,

I would contact Victor at SS about the cork bottled - that just ain’t right . . .

Now if we could just get them to change to screw caps . . . [wow.gif]

9

Hey Larry,

Good idea; I emailed Victor and let him know.

As for SS changing to screw caps, I won’t hold my breath! [tease.gif]

10

Not gonna happen in a million bazillion years!

FWIW, I’ve never had a corked SS, only 2 corked Gratis bottles in all the bottles I’ve consumed. They purchase very high quality corks and it seems to be keeping the TCA incidences down to a very, very low percentage.

(Disclaimer: My father owns Sea Smoke.)

11

Not a peep from Sea Smoke concerning the flawed bottle; strange, as they’re usually pretty good at responding to emails.

12

Poppy,

Didn’t think they would move down that path . . .

BUT I’ve learned NEVER to say NEVER . . .

Cheers!

13

Just to update, I received a check in the mail today reimbursing me for the off-bottle I had; class act over there SS for sure.

14

Screw caps and Pinot — the perfect pairing. Also, perfect for Syrah, Cab, … ALL of them. I am soooooooo over corks.