Who will be the next Morgan Twain-Peterson? The next Thomas Rivers Brown?
Ladies and gentlemen - I have two local winemakers for your consideration. You know Ian Brand, the man behind Le P’Tit Paysan. Introducing Damien Georis. Both are local (Central Coast) and both show tremendous promise. These two wines are both in the $20 range.
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2008 Madeleine Cabernet Franc Chapitrre IV - Au Rendez-Vous de la Marquise - USA, California, Central Coast, San Benito County (1/13/2011)
Medium dark ruby red. Exceptionally expressive red fruit aromas. Bright cherry on the palate livened with white pepper and cinnamon. Some dusty tannins argue for more extended ageing, but this is great right now. Lingering aftertaste. Distinctive and totally delicious! Kudos to Mr. Georis! (92 pts.) -
2008 Le P’tit Paysan Petite Sirah Pierce Ranch - USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County (12/23/2010#
Le P’Tit Paysan: A country man or woman; peasant; clown; in country fashion. An amusing and playful label on this wine made by Ian Brand #of The Coastview Vineyard). Ian tells me that Pierce Ranch is in the San Antonio Valley area of Monterey County, which I’m embarrased to say I’m not familiar with.
Popped and poured. Medium ruby red in color. Not the overwhelming black fruit that I expected from a young Petite. My immediate palate impression was rasberry and pepper with blue fruit overtones. Excellent balance and outstanding purity. A bit of a tannic backbone, but not overwhelming. Actually light on its feet, but with a nice rich mouthfeel. Lover the pepper and purity. Lingering aftertaste.
This one will continue to evolve and will work well with grilled beef, even chicken. Really very, very nice. Ian is doing fine things with “off the beaten patch” vineyards on the central coast, mainly here in Monterey County. I’ve tasted a few of his wines now, and they have all been impressive. I’ll pick up more of this for starters. (91 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker