NEW FRIENDS, OLD FAVORITES

Our lovely and talented Heidelberg rep Wendy came in with Jennifer from Pietra Santa Wednesday:

Pietra Santa Chardonnay Central Coast 2006. Grade=Outstanding. This was holding up surprisingly well, showing signs of creamy lemon and tangerine aromas and flavors, with hints of buttered popcorn, caramel apples, and apricot tarts.

Sacred Stone Red California Cask #5 NV. Grade=Outstanding. I’ve tasted this a lot in recent months. Check my previous review.

Pietra Santa Merlot Cienega Valley 2005. Grade=Outstanding. A very nice Merlot with good grip, delectable aromas and flavors of plums, dark cherries, black currants, mint and cedar. Finishes nice and smooth.

Pietra Santa Zinfandel Central Coast 2007. Grade=Amazing. This vintage the winery backed off the Dolcetto, only incorporating 7% this go around. What the Dolcetto does is impart some really soft red fruits and plush tannins, turning the brambly Zinfandel into a dreamy smooth red.

Pietra Santa Cabernet Sauvignon Cienega Valley 2002. Grade=Amazing. I was simply shocked at how this 8-year old behaved; it was still quite robust, with dark blackberry and black currant notes, cedar smoke and tobacco, tar, licorice, with firm tannins and a finish of baking spices and dark mocha.