Way up in the Yorkville Highlands

Way up in the Yorkville Highlands

At Judson Hale, they are blending past with present.  The winery opened its doors fairly recently, but the vineyard they use has a little more history.  With that combination of new energy and mature vines, they are hoping for bigger and better things each year.  Here’s what our tasting panel had to say about a few of their current offerings:

JHW-Chard

Judson Hale 2012 Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino County

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet tropical fruit, honey, and peach blossoms greets the senses. A sip delivers flavors of passion fruit, white peach, and papaya with accents of white flowers. Slightly creamy and a bit floral, it’s not your typical Chardonnay,  but if you’re a fan of Viognier, this is a bottle you should try. 250 cases produced.

Rating: 88

JHW-10Pinot

Judson Hale 2010 Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino County

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of strawberries and plums mingle with notes of earth on the nose. Flavors of plum, cherry, and strawberry come together with hints of minerals and white pepper on the palate.  A wine with a welcoming acidity and silky tannins, enjoy a bottle with grilled salmon or pork chops.

Rating: 88

 JHW-11Pinot

Judson Hale 2011 Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino County

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of cranberries, plums, and strawberries interweave with hints of minerals on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of strawberry, cranberry, and cherry that open-up into suggestions of dusty earth. A bright Pinot framed by plush tannins, fans of lively red fruit with a bit of minerality should try this bottle. Drink now.

Rating: 90