An interesting debut from this new producer. The blend includes 20% Roussanne, co-fermented in neutral French oak. It was aged sur lie and given monthly battonage, and no malolactic fermentation. The wine is big, with juicy tropical fruit/bubblegum flavors, skin phenolics, great texture and baking spice highlights. Impressive.
— P.G.
(10/1/2010)
It’s labeled Viognier, but the blend includes 20% Roussanne and a bit of Marsanne as well. It works terrifically, yielding a wine with a spicy mix of grapefruit, citrus rind, and Asian pear. Wonderful mouthfeel, with cut, focus and length.
— P.G.
(4/1/2012)
This is focused upon a lovely mix of ripe fruits, running from citrus to apple, smooth and lightly buttery. The grapes were sourced from Boushey and Elephant Mountain vineyards, and aged on the lees for a full year.
— P.G.
(4/1/2012)
Dark and smoky, this rather heavy-set Grenache has a chocolaty note from start to finish. The raspberry and black cherry fruit is tight but substantial, and the barrel aging—21 months in 20% new French oak—handled just right.
— P.G.
(4/1/2012)
A second Rhône-style blend from Ott & Murphy, this one based upon Cinsault (38%), Syrah (37%) and Mourvèdre (22%) with a splash of Viognier. It is the most interesting of the winery’s 2008 reds, with spiced apples, plums, clove, cumin and other exotic accents, a soft earthiness and medium complexity.
— P.G.
(11/1/2011)
Tasted pre-release, this is a wine that should most definitely continue to improve as it knits together. The floral aromas are a bit like Gewürztraminer, though this is 100% Viognier. Flavors include rose water, citrus, and a honeyed lemon note that runs through the tart, high-acid finish.
— P.G.
(4/1/2012)
This could be labeled Syrah, with just 17% Mourvèdre and small amounts of co-fermented Viognier and Roussanne in the mix. High-toned and complex, it wraps dark fruit in highlights of dried herbs, black olives and clean earth. The barrel aging—22 months in one quarter new French oak—brings in Bourbon barrel scents.
— P.G.
(4/1/2012)
A five-grape Bordeaux-style blend, this has a scent of rose water that drifts above earthier notes and tart berry flavors. Tight and focused, it finishes with a lick of cola and espresso.
— P.G.
(11/1/2012)