Tasting at The Vineyard

[Innkeeper]

Results of June tasting at The Vineyard:

2001 Silverado, Sauvigon Blanc, Napa ($16). Had all the required structural elements with just a tad too much oak for us.

2001 Wildhorse, Chardonnay, Central Coast ($16). Oak bomb.

2000 Moreau, Vouvray, Loire ($11). Lovely wine from the Burgundian negotiant moved west. Slighly off dry, making it comparable for food matching with Riesling Kabinett. Bought it.

2000 Masi, Modello Delle Venezie, Veneto ($11). Very refreshing light red to go with lots of summer dishes. Asked about rest of Masi line. Distributor said he had a few cases of Bardolino, but opined that Bolla puts presure on importers to quash the competition. Bought it.

1998 Mirassou, Petite Syrah, Central Coast ($16). This was the hit of the evening. It is a special edition wine in honor of their founder. It is 88% petite sirah, and 12% sangiovese. It is ready to go now, and with the added acidity from the sangio, could improve it over the next three or four years. Bought it.

2001 Kemton Clark, "Mad", Zinfandel ($11). This is one of R.H. Phillips, and "Mad" means multiple appellation districts. It was limpid with no varietal character. Kicker was that there was R.H. Phillips Cabernet Sauvignon in the store for $10! I pointed this out to people.