GOLD MEDAL: Pinot Noir Shootout, 2011
Indigené Cellars has only recently released their first wines, but owner and winemaker Raymond Smith has been in the wine business for over 20 years as the owner/operator of a mobile bottling line, and that experience is clearly paying off as Raymond begins producing his own wine. All five of the wines that made up his first release were awarded medals in the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition, which is quite an accomplishment. We were lucky enough to try a few of the wines and were able to secure a small allocation of the 2007 Pinot Noir, from the Santa Maria Valley.
The 2007 Indigené Cellars Pinot Noir is pale garnet in color, with a complex nose of cherry, raspberry, watermelon and dark earth. The palate shows classic pinot flavors of cherry and strawberry, with a distinctive earthy, spicy finish. Good length and lush, ripe, full flavors leave a big impression on the palate. The Santa Maria Valley is slowly gaining recognition as a top growing region for Pinot Noir, and wines like this, that deftly balance power and elegance are the reason why. Don’t miss out on the chance to stock up on Pinot Noir from a great vintage and a region you are going to be hearing a lot more about in the years to come.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
