Crocker Starr – Cabernet Franc 2006, St Helena- Napa Valley, California
Cost: $54.99
A fabulous cabernet franc from what happens to be my first taste from this winery. I am always interested in trying new offerings from various wineries and encourage everyone to keep exploring, because that is what makes wine all the more exciting. And I came across this cabernet franc, a difficult grape to make good wine (and if not done correctly will yield that vegetal green character)—- while nice as a blending grape to cabernet sauvignon, could be overwhelming if not harnessed correctly on its own. Crocker Starr performs quite admirably by offering more of the red and black currants, mild sandalwood, sage, and a touch of cigar tobacco on the nose. In the mouth, this moderately full-bodied wine holds a consistent flavor profile, with good persistence of fruit that is matched by polished tannins. With about 30 minutes of air time in the glass, I noted some complex cedar-y graphite nose on the palate, adding a pleasant touch. A genuinely solid performance for this cabernet franc.
Rating: 90
Lane Tanner Pinot Noir – Julia’s Vineyard 2007, Santa Maria, California
Cost: $34.99/Bottle
This is an impressive performance from once again, my first taste of a winery of which I’ve never heard. From Santa Maria, California, this pinot noir from Julia’s Vineyard came to life from the minute it was opened. Forward aroma of violets, iris flowers which yield to ripe strawberry jam, and raspberry and cherry fruit, slightly laced with a hint of smoked meat, is a joy to sniff. In the mouth, medium-bodied, this garnet red with a darker ruby center is smooth and satiny from the attack to the finish, unfolding that juicy red strawberry and raspberry immediately with good concentration. Lane Tanner rocks and I must pick up more of this for a penny shy of $35. This is great pinot noir. At a bargain price too!
Rating: 94
= "personne extraordinaire"