bkane

Bryan Kane is a winemaker that really deserves more attention than he’s getting.  His commitment to sustainable farming practices, natural winemaking, and a focus on “making wine in the field” has resulted in some very fine offerings.  Bryan divides his time among a few different projects, but each label he has attached himself to sees the quality of its wine flourish.

Here’s what our tasting panel thought about the rosé and whites wines produced by the wineries Bryan works with.

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Vie 2012 “Belle-Amie” Rosé

Grape(s):  Grenache, Syrah, & Mourvedre

Region: Santa Barbara County

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Notes of cherry, cranberry, and raspberry greet the senses.  With a sip, flavors of bramble fruit emerge with an accent of spice.  A lush, mouth-filling Rosé with a welcoming acidity, it’s ideal for a summer picnic or as an apéritif.  Only 75 cases were produced.

Rating: 90

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Sol Rouge 2011 Viognier

Grape(s): 100% Viognier

Region: Lake County

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers aromas of peach and tropical fruit with accents of honeysuckle. Notes of peach, apricot, and mango mingle with floral and honeyed suggestions on the palate. A rich, mouth-filling Viognier, fans of lush, round whites will enjoy this bottle. 100 cases were made.

Rating: 90

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Winery SF 2011 Viognier

Grape(s): 100% Viognier

Region: North Coast

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of apricot, tropical fruits, and melon combine with notes of honeysuckle and minerals on the nose. The palate offers flavors of peach, honeydew, and apricot along with floral highlights. A rich, round wine, fans of full-bodied, floral whites will enjoy this bottle. 1000 cases were made.

Rating: 89

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Winery SF 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: North Coast

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Notes of lemon-yogurt and lime come together with suggestions of grass on the nose. Flavors of lemon, lime, and gooseberry mingle with hints of custard on the palate.  A welcoming acidity and slightly creamy mouthfeel make this a very approachable wine. Fan of fuller-bodied Sauvignon Blanc will enjoy this bottle. 1,500 cases produced.

Rating: 89

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Winery SF 2012 Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: North Coast

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of melon, peach, buttery toast, and wet stone raises up from a glass. A sip delivers flavors of pear and peach along with highlights of butter and minerals.  A rich white wine, with a balanced acidity, fans of bright, buttery Chardonnay will enjoy this bottle. 1,200 cases were made.

Rating: 88