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TASTING NOTES Callaway Vineyard & Winery 2009 Pinot Gris ($18) Subtle blush color. Aromas of peach and bergamot lead. Lithe fruit is accented by swirls of salinity, river stone minerality and a touch of bouquet garni (due to whole cluster pressing). Callaway Vineyard & Winery 2009 Viognier ($20) Aromas of honeysuckle and apricot give way to a voluptuous texture and flavors of stone-fruit and vanilla bean that are complemented by tart nectarine and peach pit bitterness. Callaway Vineyard & Winery 2010 Unlocking the mysteries of Temecula: Gus Vizgirda is winemaker at both Maurice Car’rie and Van Roekel. ity of Temecula Valley and its wines seems proof that good taste needn’t be fussy. “It’s time people got over the pretension,” says Steve Hagata. “Wine is about refreshment. I’ve been to the Médoc; no one’s drinking Lafite on a hot day. They’re drinking dry rosé—and there might even be an ice cube in it.” Rosé of Sangiovese ($18) Blackberry, raspberry, watermelon and nectarine leap from the glass. Ripe raspberry and cherry fruit juxtapose a delicate black tea tannic structure and lime twist at the finish. Danza del Sol 2010 Reserve Chardonnay ($26.95) Pale straw color. Toasted wood opens on nose, leading to elegant tropical fruit flavors, accented by Kaffir lime leaf, lovely viscosity and baking spices at the finish. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak. Danza del Sol 2009 Orange Muscat ($17.95) Aromas of honey and white flowers emerge from the glass. Ripe citrus and orange blossoms flavors make this dessert wine a sum- mery companion to a cheese course. Falkner Winery 2009 Riesling ($18.95) Straw-colored with slight green flecks. Minerality and slight petroleum on the nose lead to juicy peach nectar balanced by lip- smacking acidity. Falkner Winery 2010 Rosato ($14.95) A rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Savory and meaty aromas juxtapose ripe fruit, earthy spice and a twist of lime at the finish. Still looking: Mike Tingley of Danza del Sol. july 201 1 / the tasting panel / 77 Falkner Winery 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95) Lemon and bergamot on the nose. Vibrant acidity and lively citrus flavors, layered with grapefruit tartness, a hint of pith and brambles at the finish. Lorimar Winery 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($21) Pale straw color. Aromas of lemon curd and tropical fruit appear on the nose. Creamy lemon drop flavors and subtle herbal and basil notes make this wine evocative of a summer garden party. Lorimar Winery NV Grenache Sparkling Wine ($21) Light gar- net. Crisp strawberry and cranberry fruit are layered with earthy nuances and a touch of spice. Maurice Car’rie 2010 Chenin Blanc ($12.95) Bright kiwi flavors and tropical fruit sweetness dissolve gracefully at the finish. Oak Mountain Winery NV Raspberry Champagne ($22) Pale pink. Watermelon and lime zest aromas lead. Clean, delicate Chenin Blanc fruit flavors are layered with subtle raspberry nuances and light effervescence. Oak Mountain Winery 2010 White Merlot ($19) Pale salmon color. Mouth- filling strawberry and cherry fruit intermingle with mulling spices. Thornton Winery 2004 Brut Reserve ($38) Aromas of almond, ripe apple and mandarin lead, enriched by layered flavors of pear and green apple. No dosage. Thornton Winery 2009 Moscato ($22) Crisp acidity complements the ebullient fruit flavors of honeydew melon, banana and lemon zest. Thornton Winery NV Brut ($38) Aromas of pear and subtle tropical fruit lead to green apple flavors, brioche and textural richness. Van Roekel Winery 2010 Grenache Rosé ($12.95) Sweet strawberry and cherry fruit is complemented by a thread of minerality, spice on the back palate and undulating tannins. PHOTO: LAURA SANCHEZ PHOTO: LAURA SANCHEZ