Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/101724
SPEED TASTING REPORT REVEAL NUMBER ONE Viñas del Vero 2011 La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca, Somontano, Spain ($15.99) On the stony slopes of the Secastilla Valley in the Pyrenees of northeastern Spain, at nearly 2,300 feet above sea level, old Garnacha vines struggle in the emerging wine region of Somontano. Harvested by hand and aged for four months in French Allier oak, this unique wine, grown in a Mediterranean climate, is highly aromatic and carries 14% alcohol. Only 2,000 cases produced. San Francisco Wine Exchange Our Panel's Notes "White peach and Bartlett pear on the nose; on the palate it has a pear-skin textured—almost waxen—and elements of white lowers, daisy pollen and honeysuckle along with vibrant candied stone fruit with persistent minerality. —Jerry Garbus "Beautiful, rich nose with vibrant aromas of red grapefruit, Asian pear, star anise, followed by honeyed notes. Coats the palate with lingering fruit that mirrors the nose." —Daniel Bailey San Francisco Wine Exchange Regional Manager Jonathan Apt. REVEAL NUMBER TWO Eberle Winery 2011 Mill Road Viognier, Paso Robles ($23) The 2011 growing season proved to be especially dificult for Eberle as a harsh spring frost led into a cool summer, but a mid-October harvest produced berries that held a more intense fruit lavor nicely balanced by the acid. Whole clustered– Gary Eberle. pressed, the wine was then split into thirds to be aged in stainless steel tanks or neutral French oak for four months and meticulously stirred twice a week. The result is an impressive, completely dry wine that still has a fruity sweetness. A true pioneer for Rhône varietals in the Central Coast, Gary Eberle, who began his wine career 50 years ago, has only been producing Viognier since 1992. Our Panel's Notes "A ine, loral lift on the nose, followed by peaches and brioche. Buttered toast for body and lemon rind for a kiss of acidity." —Matthew Kaner "One of my favorites; lemon and lime zest, light and ethereal (no earthiness). An easy-drinking, loral and pretty New World Viognier." —Spencer Cruse 128 / the tasting panel / january 2013