Local Wine Tasting — XI

Well, still @vinocruz
未成年請勿飲酒

Seven wines tasted today are Sones Cellars 2007 La Sirena, Martin Alfaro Pinot Noir (sorry, I forget the vintage and vineyard), Burrell School 2006 Old School Cabernet Sauvignon, Gatos Locos 2005 Syrah, Stroth-Hall Cellars 2004 Syrah Sapphire Hill Russian River, Stroth-Hall Cellars 2006 Syrah Sapphire Hill Russian River, Stroth-Hall Cellars 2006 Syrah Nelson Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains. Actually, vinocruz also has Varner 2006 Chardonnay Home Block and Sonnet 2006 Pinot Noir Tondre Grapefield for tasting, but I had these two before, so I skip them.

Sones Cellars 2007 La Sirena

A blending white of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Viognier, but the winemaker does not provide the information about percentages of varieties. Green apple and pear aroma, with light peaches and flower hints. Slight but refreshingly crisp citrus acidity in the palate.

Martin Alfaro Pinot Noir

I have to confess that I am a little bit lost in thought while drinking this one. Anyway, the red berry fruits, such as  raspberry, is attractive.

Burrell School 2006 Old School Cabernet Sauvignon

Apparently not a 2005 Cab. With black currants and spices. The tannins are not very big, so the mouthfeel is good and I think this one is ready to drink. Palate are not typical black fruits, but red instead, interesting.

Gatos Locos 2005 Syrah

Light chocolate and black berries. However, compare to the next three Stroth-Hall Cellars' Syrah, this one is not very special. The reason is that I think the aromas are not as concentrated as Stroth-Hall Cellars', and the pepper palate is also the same.

Stroth-Hall Cellars 2004 Syrah Sapphire Hill Russian River, 2006 Syrah Sapphire Hill Russian River, 2006 Syrah Nelson Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains

The 2004 Syrah from Russian River is ready to drink, the tannins are very smooth and the black pepper palate is not too sharp. Besides, this 2004 has a ripe and sweet aromas, that really makes me eager to drink. The 2006 from the same vineyard also provide ripe blackberry aromas, but this younger vintage still need more time to form smoother tannins. The 2006 vintage from Santa Cruz Mountains is similar to the same vintage from Russian River, young, but the black pepper note is more attractive for me. Besides, I also prefer the after-palate sweet of the one from Santa Cruz Mountains.