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Cambiata 2006 Tannat/ Monterey

Jasonb — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:04:22 +0000

Outlawed in Bordeaux by rival vignerons, hearty Basque grown Tannat has survived phylloxera, blockades and tariffs. Now this resurging, indigo wine has emerged in Monterey. With its hearty rich tannins and lush fruit, Tannat compliments aged meats and aromatic cheeses.

A very bold, rustic wine, the nose is thick with burnt currants, blackberry, and black cherry alongside notes of sage, licorice, and earth. The palate, true to form of the varietal, is dense, offering a balance of dark fruit and earthy elements. With such a tannic wine, a robust meal is required. Blackened fish or a bold roast beef would suit a bottle well.

FBWorld Panel Score: 88

Cambiata 2008 Albariño / Monterey

Jasonb — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:48:42 +0000

We don’t cook or eat like we did 20 years ago. With the Cambiata project, winemaker Eric Laumann is positioning the wines for ultimate survival in our culinary evolution. Since we are pumping up the flavor of our food, making fusions of fusion cooking, employing ingredients from around world, we need new wines that hold up their end of the food and wine tango. Fish with lemon and butter is a staple but start adding toppings like poblano peppers, mangos and cilantro or shakes of paprika, cumin and red pepper and now you’re in the realm where the Cambiata Albariño really shines.

This Spanish varietal is under-appreciated in the States, but winemaker Eric Laumann is doing his part to change that. Cambiata’s 2008 Albariño has a delightful nose of orange blossom, peach, and apricot. With a sip, the peach and apricot return alongside notes of tangerine and bright, perfumed floral flavors. A lively acidity makes the wine quite crisp, but it’s well-balanced by a soft touch of sweetness. Given the opportunity, it is well worth a try.

FBWorld Panel Score: 90

Rail 2 Rail 2008 Zinfandel / Lodi

Jasonb — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:30:29 +0000

R2R wines are full of expression, pushing to each rail while staying in control, maintaining a balance. They are about elation from sun and surf or great food and excellent company or whatever makes you feel like you’re momentarily off the grid.

Pronounced black cherry, plum, and black raspberry move into notes of leather and black pepper on the nose. The cherry and plum components mingle with traces of leather building to a fresh cracked pepper finish. Soft tannins make the wine very approachable, and the highlights of spice give it some nice pizzazz. Spicy pasta dishes or boldly seasoned ribs would make excellent company for this Zin.

FBWorld Panel Score: 88

Rail 2 Rail 2008 Chardonnay / Monterey

Jasonb — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:55:10 +0000

Most winery names are nouns, not adjectives or adverbs, but because this is a very dynamic project, winemaker, Eric Laumann wanted a name related to euphoria through action and motion. In surfing, a rail to rail turn means you’re on your wave of the day, flying on one edge of your board and then openly sending your weight to the other rail for a vertical “S” turn.

The nose is bright and refreshing, with the zest of lemon, tart pineapple, a touch peach and a bit of vanilla. Its lively acidity makes the palate nice and crisp, with keen citrus and tropical fruit flavors, as well as a hint of white peach. Chicken marinated with lemon and herbs would make a delightful pairing.

FBWorld Panel Score: 87

Ludwig Winery 2007 Lorelei’s Vineyard Riesling / Monterey

Jasonb — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:17:00 +0000

Ancient gravel, left by the meandering Salinas River, is one of the key reasons why Lorelei’s Vineyard Riesling is worthy of a single vineyard bottling. The climate of this distinctive location is cool to very cold and heavily influenced by the frigid, mile deep waters of the nearby Monterey Bay.

This is a single vineyard Riesling, which winemaker Laumann says is the only way to make the varietal. Aromas of apple, pear, sweet spice, and floral notes rise out of a freshly swirled glass. A bright, refreshing wine, the palate offers flavors of crisp apple and pear, along with floral highlights. Serve it as a prelude to your meal or pair it with a lightly battered cut of sole.

FBWorld Panel Score: 89

Ludwig Winery 2008 Dry Gewürztraminer / Monterey

Jasonb — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:09:38 +0000

Ludwig Winery specializes in northern European varietals. In 2007, winemaker Eric Laumann discovered an excellent vineyard and negotiated for the grapes in 2008. He wanted to make a full-blown style because, personally, he often chooses to drink Gewurztraminer and really enjoys making it.

The nose wraps up your senses in springtime aromas of honeysuckle, lavender, and rose petals, with complicating notes of ginger and apple. Spicy apples and floral notes drift over the palate with each sip, building to a perfumed finish. Apple and cinnamon pork chops or fresh roast turkey would make good companions.

FBWorld Panel Score: 89