Fenton Herriott Vineyards- a new one for me in this area which includes Madrona, Boeger among the well known ones.
2010 Gewurztraminer- nice nose of pears, and Christmas spice but on entry a sweeter side of what I prefer. Predominantly pears with quite a short finish. Would hav benefited from a little more acid and little less RS
2009 Barbera- here the fruit and acid was well balanced although a bit heavy on the oak treatment. A pretty nice wine actually.
2009 Tempranillo- nose of smoke, wood and vanilla. Alas a little short on mouthfeel and finish. Again with the oak.
Lot3 Jake way- A blend (I remember it as Sangiovese, Syrah and something else). Quite a nice wine with berries and cocoa and not all that much oak.
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon- I have a soft spot for good cabs that come from the Eldorado Hills/Placerville area. This was not a bad version cherries, cassis and vanilla. The oak treatment was not bad.
2009 Petit Sirah- A fav among several of those who tasted it, but alas I found it rather cloyingly sweet and flabby. Red fruits dominated and I couldn't keep my focus on it much.
Lava Cap winery- I havent had a Lava Cap wine in a long time. It was a beautiful day yesterday in the mountains. We were at the tasting bar before the bus and limos arrived. The pourer was extremely stingy with how much she poured. Granted that I tend to taste and dump generally, but 5 drops is usually not a fair amount to make a judgement. I had to frequently remember to ask the pourer to add some more to my glass!
2009 Sangiovese- a lean wine with bright acidity and enough fruit to go well as an addition to lunch or dinner.
2009 American River Cuvee-Cab Franc, Merlot, Syrah. Another well structured wine. easy drinker.
2009 Petit Sirah- Muscular without being flabby. Firm tannins and fruit to make it even more interesting in a few years. I liked it a lot.
2009 Reserve Zin- black and blue berries. Good mouthfeel. nice finish
I liked the Lava Cap line up. I had a couple more which I enjoyed but dont remember the notes to post
By the time we were preparing to leave, the tasting was simply too packed. I should come here when it is not apple picking season. We stopped at Boa Vista Orchards and picked up a couple of pies. We were in Apple Hill after all. Nice, enjoyable day.
-Shaji