Wines Tasted - September 9, 2010

Pine Ridge Winery – Crimson Creek – Merlot – 2002 - $27 – (Modern) – Medium garnet-red, fades to a red rim with an auburn meniscus.  Some titrates and sediment visible at bottom of glass.  A nose of medium+ intensity, showcasing a broad framework of spice and dry red fruits: clove, cinnamon bark, graham, bergamot tea and dried flowers abut dried red cherry, dried currants and black plum. 

That spiced cherry quality carries right over to the palate as well, crushed cinnamon bark and red-hots blended with fresh and dried red cherry, vanilla bean pods and dark lush violets.

Acidity was easily a medium+, tannins were hanging on, proof of Cabernet in the blend I’d suspect.  I would feel comfortable cellaring this wine for up to 6 more years without sacrifice.

Domaine Alfred becomes Chamisal Vineyards!

NEWS FLASH: Domaine Alfred Elevates Branding to Represent the Historic Chamisal Vineyard

Beginning with the release of Winemaker, Fintan duFresne's 2007 Vintage wines, the Crimson Wine Group owned property will seek to emphasize the source of it's acclaimed fruit through a beautiful new package.

The Chamisal Vineyard, which it has always been known, has been growing first class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes since 1973. The Edna Valley and Chamisal lie just 4 miles east of Pismo Beach, CA.

Look for the 2007 wines in their new skin beginning in March!

August 25, 2008 Wines Tasted

Domaine Alfred - Chamisal Vineyards - Pinot Noir - Edna Valley - 2005 - $40 - (Classic, Ager, Food Wine) - As promised. Upon opening this wine leads off with earthy mushroom, spice, sweet basil, mint, leather, red cherry and boysenberry aromas. Complex and changing quickly from forest floor components to saddle and spice cabinet. On the palette: warm and ripe(14.5% alc) the leather and bloomy-rind elements carry on, as do the garnet-hued berries and red cherry pie spices like cinnamon, clove, anise, allspice. A medium bodied wine with moderate acid, this pinot will be right at home in the hands of a Burgundy fan, as it lies squarely in their model(though with true Californian ripeness). Watching the Napa sunset we had peppered salami and great laughter as our dinner.

BREAKING NEWS !!!!!!!!!!!!! Pine Ridge Acquires Domaine Alfred

The Gag-Order is off and the news is out! Just announced officially at 3:30PM today, The Crimson Wine Group (Pine Ridge Vineyards-Napa, CA; Archery Summit Winery-Willamette Valley, OR & Double Canyon Vineyard-Horse Heaven Hills, WA) has added Domaine Alfred of Edna Valley, CA to its portfolio of "World-Class Wine Estates".
CEO, Erle Martin made this announcement to the staff just minutes prior to this posting, and is excited to see a top notch Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Vineyard, The Chamisal Vineyard(Edna Valley's Oldest, 1972) included in the Group's holdings.
I too am excited to see the future-in-the-bottle of this incredible Estate. Notes and pairings to follow shortly, now somebody tell me where I can find a bottle of Chamasal Vineyard Pinot...!!!?