“…WE CAN HEAR YOU COMING, AND WE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE AFTER…”

Our good friend and RNDC/Cumberland rep Jen came by with a fairly wild special guest, Heidi from Row Eleven wines. We tried four of their wines, and I was in for a bit of a hard sell:

Civello White California 2007. Grade=Outstanding. This was an interesting blend of Verdelho, Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Gris that is light-to-medium-bodied with some juicy apricot, nectarine and lemon-lime notes, a hint of verbena, some Chinese Five Spice and lemongrass too. A cool, interesting wine.

Stratton Lummis Chardonnay Napa Valley 2006. Grade=Outstanding. 100% unoaked/100% malolactic gives this creamy tropical fruit flavors, nice minerality and well-balanced acidity. Light-to-medium-bodied, with some baked apple and peaches ‘n’cream notes at the finish.

Row 11 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley 2006. Grade=Outstanding+. Of the two, I think Shannon and I liked this one better. Dark cherries, a bit of cherry cola, some nutmeg, roasted nuts and cinnamon stick mixed amongst juicy tannins and well-balanced acidity.

Row 11 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2006. Grade=Outstanding. This was a bit bigger, dustier and earthier than the Santa Maria, with hints of Applewood smoked Bacon, Baked Alaska, some roasted game, fennel, and white pepper.