GOLD MEDAL - 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
GOLD MEDAL - 2009 Sonoma County Harvest Fair
Many credit the movie Sideways with putting California Pinot Noir on the map, and while there can be no doubt that Sideways helped spread the word about this grape in California, the fact remains that Pinot had be going strong in California for many years prior to the movie. One of the first regions in which California growers saw success with Pinot Noir was in Carneros, although with the extreme cooling effect of the nearby San Pablo Bay, this region was originally focused on Pinot Noir for sparkling wine. Once people started using the grapes for still wine they quickly realized that this was a special region, capable of light yet intense wines, and one of California’s great Pinot growing areas was born. Today’s Heist features another of Sonoma County’s new, small family wineries, Inspiration Vineyards. Founded in 1999, they have quickly gained a reputation for high quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. We have spoken at length of the greatness of the 2007 vintage for California Pinot Noir, and this is another great chance to see what all the fuss is about.
The 2007 Inspiration Vineyards Pinot Noir from Carneros is sourced from a single vineyard in Carneros, with careful farming practices ensuring only ripe, high intensity grapes reach the winery. Pale ruby in the glass, the nose is classic Carneros Pinot with plenty of strawberry, cranberry and cherry, along with subtle hints of damp earth and tobacco. The palate is light and refreshing with plenty of acidity to support the cherry and cranberry flavors. This is typical of Carneros Pinot in that it is lighter and more elegant, more European in style, than some of the riper versions found further north in Sonoma County. No new oak is used at Inspiration Vineyards on the Pinot Noir, so fruit flavors shine through. This is a California Pinot for those who find too many California wines to be heavy and overdone, and prefer a more restrained, balanced style. Of course, this means it make food pairing easy, as you don’t have to worry about overpowering a lighter dish. Serve it with poultry, or even salmon, and be amazed by how a lighter red wine can bring out subtle flavors in these dishes. At just $24, this is a great Pinot bargain, and a must have for any time a lighter wine is needed.
Vineyard: Martin Ranch
Appellation: Los Carneros, Sonoma County
Varietal Blend: Dijon Clones: 667 (75%) 115 (25%)
Harvest Date: September 6th 2007, September 12th 2007
Brix at Harvest: 26.1° & 25.8°
Total Acid: .64 g/L & .68 g/L
pH: 3.40 & 3.39
Alcohol: 14.5%
Fermentation / Cellaring: Open-top fermented, cellared in a combination of two and three year old French oak barrels for 12 months.
Bottled Date: September 8th 2008
Release Date: March 1st 2009
Cases Produced: 252
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.
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.
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.
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.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
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.
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