Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1249
Time Travelers photos by Cathy Twigg-Blumel These barrel samples prove that patience is indeed a virtue 70 / the tasting panel / june 2009 E very year, Southern Wine & Spirits of California hosts a "Best of the Best" event to showcase their top wine producers. This year, THE TASTING PANEL was able to catch up with some of the winemakers to preview the best of what's to come. Some of the following wines have not yet been labeled and a few are years away from gracing wine lists. But, after a few sips, there's no doubt that their future is bright. – Meridith May "The 2008 vintage started with a major frost," warned Winemaker Jeff Stewart as we were about to taste a preview of his Buena Vista 2008 Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir. "There were also low crop yields, but it played out nicely," he added. And he was right: From the tremendous cherry notes to its wink-and-nod spicy ele- ments, the Buena Vista 2008 Pinot will be something to pair nicely with food, a future investment in an easy-going, gentle Carne- ros red. We didn't need a crystal ball to foresee the wonderful ripeness and balance in the yet-to-be-released 2007 Quintessa (it will be available a year from now). Winemaker Charles Thomas pointed to some dramatic weather, but this 100% biodynamically- farmed estate in Ruther- ford once more displays intensity before its time. Pleasing and plush, the much-revered Ridge Vine- yards 2008 Monte Bello (the press-time sample blend was 81% Cab and 19% Merlot) is years away from its fall 2011 release, but we're excited now about what's in the glass. According to the winemaking team, they are considering a light fresh-egg- white fi ning for the Petit Verdot. "This is a classic Pinot Noir," notes Sanford Winemaker Steve Fenell of the 2008 Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Pinot barrel sample. Earthier—but also more elegant— than the brawny '07, the wine displays deep violet hues and tons of rich red fruit, pepper Buena Vista Winemaker Jeff Stewart. Quintessa Winemaker Charles Thomas. Steve Fennell, Sanford Winemaker. Barrel Samples