Weekly Wine Review
Hello, wine enthusiasts! Welcome to another edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I share my recent wine-tasting experiences.
This week, I had the joy of sampling some exquisite wines from a variety of well-regarded wineries, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on these remarkable bottles.
First up are the white wines from Ernest Vineyards, a winery I’ve admired for some time now.
Their Joyce Vineyard Chardonnays truly impressed me with their bright pithy flavors and a subtle hint of salinity that adds to their enjoyment.
Each of these white offerings reflects a commitment to quality that Ernest Vineyards is known for.
Transitioning to red, MacRostie Winery delivered a fascinating duo of Pinot Noirs.
These wines both originate from the same vineyard in the Petaluma Gap AVA yet showcase distinct clonal expressions: one from the Calera clone and the other from the Swan clone.
While I found both wines enjoyable, the Calera stood out just a bit more for its depth of flavor.
Racines Wines and Yalumba
Next, I explored four captivating Pinot Noirs hailing from Racines Wines.
This exciting partnership features Étienne de Montille, Brian Sieve, and Rodolphe Péters, resulting in elegant wines from Santa Rita Hills.
Among these, the Rinconada Vineyard bottling won my heart with its sophistication.
Though they carry a premium price, these wines are certainly worth considering for those on the hunt for exceptional California Pinot Noir.
Finally, let’s not overlook the esteemed Australian winery Yalumba, nestled in the Barossa Valley.
Their Tricentenary – Ancestor Vine Grenache, sourced from vines planted in 1889, presents a delightful blend of fruity and savory elements typical of aged Grenache.
Contrastingly, their flagship, The Caley, is a high-end blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra and Shiraz from Barossa, balancing ripe fruit with freshness—a beautiful melding reminiscent of Napa and Sonoma regions.
Tasting Notes
- 2021 Ernest Vineyards “Joyce Vineyard” Chardonnay – Rating: 9 to 9.5.
Price: $85.
- 2022 Ernest Vineyards “Joyce Vineyard” Chardonnay – Rating: 9 to 9.5.
Price: $85.
- 2021 Ernest Vineyards “Alder Springs Vineyard” Chardonnay – Rating: around 9.
Price: $65.
- 2022 Ernest Vineyards “Alder Springs Vineyard” Petite Arvine – Rating: between 8.5 and 9.
Price: $42.
- 2022 MacRostie Winery “Nightwing Vineyard – Calera Clone” Pinot Noir – Rating: around 9.
Price: TBD.
- 2022 MacRostie Winery “Nightwing Vineyard – Swan Clone” Pinot Noir – Rating: around 9.
Price: TBD.
- 2022 Racines Wine “Sanford & Benedict Vineyard” Pinot Noir – Rating: 9 to 9.5.
Price: $110.
- 2022 Racines Wine “Sta.
Rita Hills Cuvée” Pinot Noir – Rating: 9 to 9.5.
Price: $60.
- 2022 Racines Wine “Sainte Rose” Pinot Noir – Rating: 9 to 9.5.
Price: $65.
- 2022 Racines Wine “La Rinconada Vineyard” Pinot Noir – Rating: around 9.5.
Price: $100.
- 2022 Yalumba “The Tri-Centenary – Ancestor Vine” Grenache – Rating: 8.5 to 9.
Price: $63.
- 2019 Yalumba “The Caley” Cabernet-Shiraz – Rating: around 9.
Price: $360.
Enjoy exploring these standout selections, and I look forward to sharing more wine adventures with you soon!
Source: Vinography
