Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
94 / the tasting panel / november 2017 Not one somm in the room called this wine anything else other than Pinot Noir—some proclaiming Carneros, oth- ers declaring Willamette—which is a testament not only to the wine's varietal correctness, but its earthier side and bright, red fruit character. In fact, when John Holder, Branded Goods Sales Director at Scheid Vineyards, asked if anyone could guess the clone, Hotel Bel-Air's Rick Arline nailed it: "667," he announced softly. This was the Scheid Vineyards 2014 Clone 667 Pinot Noir, a single-vineyard, single-clone wine from the cooler area of windy Monterey. "We have 11 different estate vineyards in Monterey, spanning about 70 miles top to bottom. The Viento Vineyard is directly south of the Arroyo Seco AVA and made up mostly of lockwood shaly loam," Holder said. "That's really important for us as this enables really good drainage, which gives us great consistency with our fruit." Holder also elaborated on topics like the wind of the Salinas Valley and the resulting longer hang times (which are the longest in California), data collection, and the Scheid family's long history as growers. "We're growers at heart and we think we really represent the terroir of Monterey," he added. "Of our 11 estate vineyards, on five we grow 20 different clones of Pinot Noir so we don't have to go the same place every year and we can keep the same consistency and high quality." Tasting Notes Luscious red cherries and rose petals. Aromatic black tea leaves, lavender, and a bit of honey. Plush and velvety on the palate. —Eric Denq Scheid Vineyards 2014 CLONE 667 PINOT NOIR, VIENTO VINEYARD, MONTEREY John Holder, Director of Sales for Branded Goods at Scheid Vineyards. Crown Point 2014 ESTATE SELECTION, HAPPY CANYON, SANTA BARBARA The varieties guessed by the somms may have varied, but one factor remained consistent—this was a well- made, high-quality wine. David Francke, General Manager at Crown Point Vineyards, made the reveal : "Crown Point is a 100-acre property, with 50 acres planted to vines focused on Bordeaux varieties. The 2013 was our first release, and we're getting ready to release the 2014, which you have in your glass today." Francke explained that of the two wines from the estate, one is 100% Cabernet and the second is a blend. The 2014 estate selection is 73% Cabernet, 16% Malbec, and 11% Merlot. "We have all five Bordeaux varieties planted on the estate," he said. "If you've not been up to visit Happy Canyon, it is a great area for growing Bordeaux varieties, and it's not what people think of when they think of the Central Coast generally. We are in the far eastern end of Happy Canyon, and regularly throughout the summer we get 100-degree days with 60-degree evenings. All of our influence comes in from the Lompoc/Santa Maria area, so we are the heat center for the Santa Ynez Valley. For the 2014 vintage, 700 cases of this wine were produced, as well as 200 cases of the 100% Cab." Tasting Notes Rich, luscious texture with black and red fruits. Subtle coffee and chocolate cake. I really enjoy this wine. —Dan Bailey David Francke, General Manager at Crown Point Vineyards.