The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 1: Migration Chardonnay RRV

I love my job! Last night our dear friend Sara from Duckhorn dropped by to give us a sneak preview of the Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration lineup for the 2009 and 2010 vintages. In a word: stunning.  Unfortunately, the wines haven’t been released yet but stay tuned as I will let you know as they become available. I will be talking about the wines over the next few days as I feel the wines all deserve individual attention.

First, let’s talk about their 2010 RRV Chardonnay “Migration”. The winemaking team’s goal for this wine was to to create a “beautiful expression of Chardonnay” and they have hit the proverbial nail on the head. Primarily Dutton Ranch fruit, this wine is exciting without being cluttered or overwhelming. Though barrel fermented in 100% new French oak the wine is not a butter bomb but a well crafted, French style Chardonnay. Plenty of citrus and stone fruit notes layered with creamy custard flavors along with the mineral expression associated with the distinctive Russian River appellation. The finish is incredibly long for a Chardonnay, lasting almost a full minute.  I gave the wine a 94+ and I believe the juice will continue to develop and even improve in the bottle over the next year.  -Jeff

Purchase this wine at Porthos!

Martinelli Syrah Hop Camp Vineyard Gravel Lens RRV 2006

“Inky ruby. Assertive, heady cassis, olive, floral and incense scents are strongly reminiscent of the northern Rhone. Extremely fresh red and dark berry flavors are complicated by candied violet, minerals and cracked pepper, with silky tannins adding structure. Turns more tangy with air, picking up sexy Asian spices that linger impressively on the finish. This is already delicious.”- Josh Raynolds (Stephen Tanzer’s IWC)

This is a huge, brooding effort from Helen Turley and the team at Martinelli.  This Syrah was quite a hit at our Thursday tasting panel with several tasters going back for a second tasting to “ensure consistent notes”, wink wink.  We scored it a “Classic 95″.  Less than 300 cases produced!  – Jeff

Purchase this wine at Porthos

Viña Cobos Corte uNico Marchiori Vineyard 2008 – 98 points (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

“The 2008 Cobos Corte uNico Marchiori Vineyard is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Malbec. Purple/black in color, it surrenders an impressive bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, floral notes, Asian spices, licorice, espresso, and assorted black fruits. Loaded on the palate, this full-bodied behemoth is dense, powerful and complex. Give it 5-7 years to become a bit more civilized and drink it through 2028, perhaps longer.” 98 points The Wine Advocate’s Jay Miller

We recently had the privilege of tasting this monster with a field of “who’s who” Napa Cabernets and it stood head and shoulders above them all.  It’s being hailed as the “Screaming Eagle of South America” and I must admit, that is actually a worthy title.  Powerful and hedonistic with silky tannins and a finish that lasts and lasts.  This is an absolutely stunning wine from Paul Hobbs’ Argentinean property.

Buy This wine at Porthos

Produced by Paul Hobbs

Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cahill Lane 2009 – 95 Points

“Seductive aromas of hazelnut, honeysuckle and some buttered brioche lead to a palate ripe with white peaches, popcorn pears, white currants, hazelnuts and balanced minerality. An aromatic yet full-bodied white, this is rich and sexy Chardonnay that belies its extremely reasonable price point” – The Wine Insiders

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Walter Hansel.

Twisted Rivers Petite Sirah 2009 – 94+ Points

A massive wine with sumptuous rich layers of decadence combined with plush tannins that bode well for aging 3 – 5 years for even deeper, darker complexity. Raspberry and blackberry jam and port teem in the glass that continues to provide an Astonishingly thrilling wine experience for anyone that adores big, deep, dark red wines. The color and finish are reminiscent of the finest Italian espresso with a hint of walnuts on the finish. Bold flavors include licorice, figs, and a hint of smoky bacon.

Buy this wine at Porthos.
Produced by Twisted Rivers.