This is quite an interesting Merlot, not least because it actually lives up to Merlot’s reputation as the soft Cabernet. It’s ripe and juicy in cherry flavor, with a rich, olive-y earthiness enhanced and framed by oak. At the same time, it’s dry. The softness is balanced by wonderfully thick, fine tannins, with a grip that cries out for steak.
— S.H.
(12/31/2006)
Very tannic, a challenge the winemaker will have to deal with, but there’s enormous promise in this new, unexplored appellation of Lake County. Complex, this wine is marked by peppery blackberry fruit and licorice, with a rich vein of sweet new leather. Has that undefinable take-a-second-sip quality. Drink now, but decant for a few hours.
— S.H.
(12/31/2006)
This is America’s answer to Marlborough, showing true Lake County terroir, with high acidity that gives a minerally, gunmetal lift to the ripe grapefruit, passion fruit, kiwi and lime flavors. Wonder fully good, and the low alcohol makes it easy to drink.
— S.H.
(12/31/2006)
A very good dessert Riesling, nice and ripe in sweet apricot, honeysuckle and tangerine flavors, with a buttercream vanilla topping and what tastes like rich botrytis honey. Fortunately, it has crisp acidity.
— S.H.
(12/31/2006)
What a nice Zin. It has fine acids and tannins that frame deliciously complex flavors of grilled, mashed blackberries and cherries, splashed with balsamic and Worcestershire sauce, with a sprinkle of black pepper and dusty cocoa. Fully dry and balanced, it brings a Cabernet sensibility to Zinfandel’s wild, racy side.
— S.H.
(11/1/2008)
A beautiful white blend, one of the best values on the market. Made from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer and Sémillon, it shows a near-perfect balance of crisp acidity, clean minerality, dryness and complex citrus fruit, peach, lychee, mineral and honeysuckle flavors. A compelling restaurant by-the-glass wine.
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
This has been a good bottling for Brassfield. It shows classic mountain intensity, with explosive currant, wild berry, mocha, pine cone, anise and pepper flavors, tucked into firm, sweet tannins. Could benefit from 2 or 3 years in the cellar.
— S.H.
(7/1/2009)
A beautifully drinkable Sauvignon Blanc, as Lake County tends to give, and one that Brassfield in particular has excelled at over the last three vintages. The wine is bone dry and racy in acidity, with mouthwatering flavors of lemons, limes, grapefruits and gooseberries.
— S.H.
(8/1/2010)