Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44136
SPEED TASTING REPORT Rendezvous No. 2: High Toned and Racy The majority of our panel guessed right: The dots all connected to Grenache—but from where?? "Truffles and mushrooms lend earth but the bright red fruit was aromatic, with a blueberry finish." —Victor Pinkston "High acidity, shaved wood and a dollop of malt lent some unique notes to a cranberry-based palate." —Joe Phillips THE REVEAL: Quivira 2009 Dry Creek Valley Grenache (SRP $28). Grenache is blended with 6% Mourvèdre and 2% Syrah for this small-production red (only 961 cases). Quivira is a family-owned winery and the massive diurnal tempera- ture swings in Dry Creek is a critical aspect of this this wine's density of fruit— savory and spicy—and acidity level. Winemaker/grower Hugh Chappelle told the group, "This is what I recall tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape." The winery has been certified Biodynamic since 2006. Quivira winemaker Hugh Chappelle talks to the panel. Rendezvous No. 3: Rich and Teeth-Gripping This mystery date was dark and dazzling. "Gamey, dirty-pretty with good acid and blue floral tones." —William Sherer "Nature's rich ripeness shows itself in this dark purple'd wine accompanied by cranberry and pomegranate notes that delicately adhere to my teeth." —Meridith May THE REVEAL: Henson 2008 Syrah, Chalone ($38, 100 cases) is a Double Gold medalist from the San Francisco International Wine Competition, for both the wine and its label design. While the wine is intense, its minerality shines through. "The mouthfeel carries on regardless of how the wine is made," explains Robert Henson, who makes the wine in a custom crush facility in San Luis Obispo. The Syrah shares its space with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Michaud Vineyard in the Chalone AVA in California's Monterey and San Benito counties. 76 / the tasting panel / october 201 1