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Nottingham Cellars winemaker Collin Cranor is one of the youngest in the Livermore Valley. In fact, he looks like most 20-something guys these days in his flat brimmed baseball caps. But don’t let his appearance fool you; he makes some of the best wine in the region. Collin is especially focused on the potential of the Rhone varieties grown in the area and will be launching a new brand dedicated to them in the not too distance future. Until then, one can enjoy his current Rhone Blend, “Awakening”, along with his other excellent wines.
Here’s what we thought about a few of Nottingham’s present offerings:
Nottingham Cellars 2011 Awakening
Grape(s): 54% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 17% Mourvdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Strawberry, cherry, and blackberry aromas mingle with hints of pepper, dark chocolate, and all-spice on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of cherries, blackberries, and pomegranate, accented by suggestions of pepper, leather, and mocha. A rich wine that’s nicely layered, it’s an excellent example a California GSM. 225 cases produced.
Rating: 91
Nottingham Cellars 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, cassis, and black cherries mingle with notes of dark chocolate, clove, and oak on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and cherry that unfold into nuances of sweet spice and mocha. A rich, smooth wine with plush tannins, it’s sure to hit the spot with any Cab lover. 168 cases were made.
Rating: 91
Nottingham Cellars 2010 Supremacy
Grape(s): 67% Cabernet, 24% Petite Verdot, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet franc, & 2% Malbec
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 55-60
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, cherries, and plums are accented by notes of coffee, chocolate, and sweet oak on the nose. Blackberry, cherry, and cassis flavors emerge on the palate along with hints of toasty vanilla, all-spice, and earth. A rich wine with supple tannins, it has the structure to hold up to your favorite red meat now or to develop nicely in your cellar. 168 cases produced.
Rating: 90
