Tasting Notes Saturday 11/16/13

GOLDSCHMIDT TASTING EVENT 11/16/13
FOREFATHERS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011
From the Marlborough region of Nick Goldschmidt’s native New Zealand, this “Savvy” shows lovely gooseberry and apricot aromas accented by herbal notes. Those same flavors follow through on the palate, somehow managing a mouthfeel that is simultaneously creamy and crisp. The lengthy finish beckons for additional sips. 88 points Jim Tobin. $14.97

BOULDER BANK PINOT NOIR 2010
This is one of the growing legion of Pinots proving that New Zealand is not just about Sauvignon Blanc anymore. From the Fitzroy Vineyard, this is all about bright red fruit, kept lively by proper acidity and accented by light earth notes. Drink it as Nick does… before, during and after most meals! 88 points Jim Tobin. $17.97

CHELSEA GOLDSCHMIDT MERLOT 2011
Chelsea is Nick’s eldest daughter and started this project with him back in 2006. This sophisticated Merlot is as bold and expressive as her, brimming with red fruit flavors and spice. Sourced from a small vineyard just east of Geyserville, this Merlot has “full fruit up front and lots of structure to carry that fruit to a long, supple finish.” 89 points Wine Enthusiast. $15.97

KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT CABERNET 2011
Another of Nick’s daughters, Katherine, is always one to challenge the status quo and go off in her own direction. Crazy Creek expresses Katherine’s strong personality and offers a memorable wine bursting with fruit and charm at a remarkably low price. Nick has farmed this vineyard since 1989 and loves the style and power it can achieve. 89 points Tobin Bros. $16.97

HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT CABERNET 2010
This very small production single vineyard Cab hails from an Oakville vineyard right next to Opus One. Rich and fragrant with aromas of blackberry and black cherry, it abounds with cherry, black currant, and blackberry flavors, all elegantly framed in smoky oak. Fine, silky tannins further show off this classy red. 91 points Jim Tobin. $24.97

YARDSTICK CABERNET 2011
A Yardstick is an old basis for measurement which can be used as a baseline or reference point. YARDSTICK Ruth’s Reach Cabernet Sauvignon is just that: it offers the signature taste of Napa Valley but without the typical Napa price. Aromas of chocolate and butterscotch compliment ripe cherry and red berry fruit. Black cherry and raspberry flavors show on the round palate with full yet soft tannins, and caramel, oak, and strawberry fruit in the finish. 90 points Jim Tobin. $20.97

GOLDSCHMIDT GAME RANCH CABERNET 2009
“It would be hard to exaggerate the excellence of the blackberries, black currants, black cherries, dark chocolate and oak flavors, which have a Christmas-pudding-like headiness. It maintains superb control, and while the tannins and overall balance should help this age for many years, it can also be consumed now.” 97 points Wine Enthusiast. $59.97