Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/101724
SPEED TASTING REPORT REVEAL NUMBER FIVE Hug Cellars 2009 "El Maestro" Grenache, Central Coast ($30) A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah, this big spicebox of a wine comes primarily from the Cedar Lane Vineyards in Monterey County and the warmer Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard. Although the alcohol is up at 15.5 percent, "the fruit enjoys a long hang time and is able to develop lavors without going over the top," says winery owner Augie Hug, a former restaurateur who has become a cult name in the Central Coast winemaking community. Established in 1994 by Augie and Raquel Hug, Hug Cellars produced its irst vintage under the guidance of John Alban (Alban Vineyards), yielding 87 cases of Edna Valley–designated Syrah. Our Panel's Notes "Mid-intensity red with perfumed fruit: plum, strawberry and Maraschino cherry. Earthier tones meld in, such as heirloom tomato. Gains ground with ine acidity." —Anthony Lerner "Vibrant fruit (fresh strawberry!) is underpinned with wet earth and spearmint root, which offers pure and precise character from nose to palate." —Jerry Garbus Augie Hug, Hug Cellars co-owner and winemaker. REVEAL NUMBER SIX Mounts Family Winery 2009 Estate Grenache, Dry Creek Valley ($30) "Don't let anyone tell you that Grenache is a dificult grape to grow," advises David Mounts. "It's actually hearty and a good producer—and likes to struggle." In its third vintage, the Mounts Family Winery Estate Grenache (with 10% Syrah blended in) is fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in neutral oak barrels. "There are only a handful of producers who are growing Rhône varieties in Dry Creek Valley," Mounts attests. And because of climate, hillside vineyards, cool nights (cooler than Paso Robles at night) and 15 soil types on the 140-acre estate, Mounts is able to produce the deep character of fruit, minerality and acidity for his smallproduction, family-owned and -operated winery. Our Panel's Notes "Love it! Crushed blackberries and a big juicy inish." —Jonathan Mitchell "Not your typical Grenache; highly aromatic with lots of nutmeg and sage spice integrated with plums and red raspberry, with a touch of cedar cigar box." —Daniel Bailey 130 / the tasting panel / january 2013 Winemaker David Mounts, of Mounts Family Winery.