FOR THE LOVE OF RUDOLF STEINER (THE OCCULT OF PERSONALITY)

I had another visit from good friend/Bryant sales manager Jimmy C., who came by the rep and wines of Magnanimous Wine Group, a group of organic wines from Mendocino County founded by Owsley Brown III:

Ukiah Cellars Chardonnay Mendocino County 2008. Grade=Average-. This was a weird-tasting Chardonnay, with some foxy elements you might find in an Ohio or Kentucky Chardonnay, but not typically from California. Showed some baked apple, tangerine, and honeyed pear notes, and a bit of caramel corn, but that “foxiness” made for an odd finish.

Ukiah Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino County 2007. Grade=Outstanding. Splashes of black fruits, anise, cedar and tobacco come together and a medium-bodied, juicy expression of the grape. Pretty good.

Old River Cabernet Sauvignon Sierra Foothills 2006. Grade=Outstanding. Blended with 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, this has more depth and body than the Ukiah, with some fleshy blackberry and black currant, smoky oak and vanilla notes.

Talmage Pija Blend Mendocino County 2007. Grade=Outstanding+. My favorite of the lineup, this Petite Sirah/Syrah/Charbono blend is medium-bodied, with rich red and black berry fruit aromas and flavors, some white pepper, tobacco, mocha and spice box.

Talmage Syrah Mendocino County 2006. Grade=Outstanding. I really do love California Syrah, yet the price point is rough. This around $20 Syrah shows some heart with spicy red currant, red raspberry and rhubarb notes, a bit of zesty pepper and hints of dried herbs.

Mendocino Farms Cabernet Sauvignon Heart Arrow Vineyard 2006. Grade=Average-. Again with the weirdness, I would swear there is some Ruby Cabernet or another hybrid grape in there but it’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Foxy notes of bramble, currant, anise, black cherry and tar. Maybe some aerating would help the “funk” dissipate, but I was left very confused.