Friday, February 13, 2009

La Honda Winery 1/17/09



Open for Passport Day for the first time.

'05 Chardonnay "Wappo Loam" Lake County $18
Nose - dark, rich, earthy, cardamon spice, hints of vanilla and lemon.
Smooth, soft, low acid, nice nutmeg, tangello, hint of pear, lingering spice. (87 pts)

'06 Pinot Noir "Red Capsule" (Santa Cruz Mountains) $36
This is from several vineyards they manage from Saratoga to Los Altos Hills.
Nose - warm black currant, with a touch of creme de menthe, sandalwood, cardamon.
Grippy tannin up front, blackberry, eucalyptus, orange zest, hint of vanilla, cardamon, black currant, elder flowers. Dusty tannins, lemon zest and woody spice on the finish. (87 pts)

'06 Merlot (Oakville) $28
Nose - bright red fruit, creamy, sandalwood, dark spice.
Soft, nice toast, light elegant spice matches the lighter bodied Merlot fruit, background medley of citrus, soft tannins, delicately sweet "smoky" finish. (89 pts)

'06 Syrah (Santa Cruz Mountains) $19
Nose - rich, dark, balsa, high toned note, blackberry.
Savory, "smoky", blackberry, mandarin, clove, dark spice, redwood bark, pine needles, sappy glycerin-y finish. Very Nice. (91 pts)

'02 Cabernet Sauvignon "Reserve" (Napa Valley) $38
Nose - intense blackberry, soft sandalwood, creme de menthe, hint of Petite Verdot (though there isn't any).
Soft luscious mouthfeel, warm creamy spice, candied lemon zest, touch of resin, savory berry finish. Drink soon. (90 pts)

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