On the last night of my recent trip to CA, my mother cooked a dinner of Scottish salmon (none of the local model this year) and her housemate Sidney opened a bottle from a recently obtained mixed case:
2006 Acacia Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard
nose: green apples, stones, vanilla
palate: medium weight, moderate acidity, oak, apples
We have fond memories of some mid-'80s Acacia Chardonnays, but this was the first one I've had for at least a decade. Very young, but well made and quite balanced. The oak, while noticeable, wasn't overdone and promises to integrate with a couple of years. It could use a bit more acid for my tastes, but otherwise is a very stylish CA Chard.
2007 Edmunds St. John "Bone Jolly" Gamay Rosé
color: bright pink, almost lurid
nose: bright, strawberry fruit, a hint of minerality
palate: fruity, simple, not heavy or hot, crisp finish
After last year's stellar effort, this wine comes across as a bit simpler and less likely to age well, but it is a happy little wine so who really cares? Purchased from the winemaker for $16 and well worth it.
Mark Lipton