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.
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
