Wine Unfiltered

This week, Rich Magallanes brought in two Summerland wines that Samantha didn’t get a chance to try up at their tasting room. Between Oscar movie talk and how writers probably shouldn’t go see Avatar for the writing, we tried:

Summerland Winery 2007 Chardonnay –Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard – Sta. Rita Hills

Summerland Winery 2006 Zinfandel – French Camp Vineyard – Paso Robles

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Prime Directive:

Rich trying to persuade us on Summerland’s vintner ability.

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Specification Query:

2007 Chardonnay

APPELLATION: STA. RITA HILLS

VARIETAL: CHARDONNAY

VINEYARDS: 100% RANCHO SANTA ROSA VINEYARD

HARVEST DATE: 10.5.07

BRIX AT HARVEST: 23

ALCOHOL: 14.1%

pH: 3.4

TA: 8.2g/L

CASE PRODUCTION (9L): 325 cases

CASE PACK: 6 * 750ML

RELEASE DATE: 10/1/2008

SUGGESTED RETAIL $30

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Analysis and Response:

-Generally well liked.

- Samantha felt it to be more Viognier-ish than Chardonnay.

- Rich and I felt it has classic Chardonnay malolactic fermentation qualities.

-There was a fabulous gouda that paired well.

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2006 Zinfandel

APPELLATION: PASO ROBLES

VARIETAL: ZINFANDEL

VINEYARDS: 100% French Camp Vineyard

HARVEST DATE: 10/15/06

BRIX AT HARVEST: 25

ALCOHOL15.2%

pH: 3.6

TA: 0.623 g/100ml

CASE PRODUCTION (9 liters): 280 cases

CASE PACK: (6 x 750ml)

SUGGESTED RETAIL: $25

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Analysis and Response:

-Samantha sensed prune danish.

- Kevin was reminded of Grandpa’s attic

- Monique noticed celebrity perfume.

-For me, it was all about black cherry fruit roll ups and raw spinach leaf.

- Unfortunately, no one really cared for it.

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Looks like the jury is still out on Summerland.

I think that sticking to the Single Vineyard Collection and trying some of their Chardonnays and Pinots are a good bet.

Until next time… Thurst for Thursday….