Testa

Testa Vineyards has a long history, dating back to 1912 when the ranch was established by Gaetano and Maria Testa. After purchasing the land, their whole family worked side by side to clear it and plant the first grape vines.

Today’s generation of the family now carries on the tradition, growing the varieties Carignane, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera, Grenache and Charbono on the Testa Ranch and producing the finest wines they can. Here’s what our tasting panel thought about a handful of their current offerings:

 Testa_White

Testa 2011 White (Blend)

Grape(s): 45% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Chenin Blanc, 7% Viogner, & 3% Muscat

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of honeydew, pear, and citrus rise up from a glass. Tangerine, melon, and pear flavors mingle with inklings of honey on the palate. A rich white with a hint of sweetness that makes it very approachable, it’s sure to please a crowd. 220 cases were made.

Rating: 89

 2011_Testa_Charbono_Front 1)

Testa 2011 Charbono

Grape(s): 90% Charbono & 10% Petite Sirah

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 35-40

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of cherries, currants, and plums mingle with hints of earth on the nose. Flavors of cherry, cassis, and red plum unfold into notes of leather, minerals, and herbs on the palate. Smooth, bright and fruit-driven, it’s a pleasant wine to sip on its own or enjoy with a lighter pasta. 150 cases produced.

Rating: 88

2010_Testa_Black_Tre

Testa 2010 “Black Tre” Red Blend

Grape(s): 39% ‘10 Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% ‘10  Carignane, 24% ’10 Petite Sirah, 5% 09 Black”Due”

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 15-30

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of black cherries, bramble fruit, and plums are accented by hints of forest floor and leather on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of cherry, blackberry, and currants along with notes of dusty earth. Smooth and supple with plush tannins, fans of rich red blends should try this bottle. 370 cases were made.

Rating: 88

TestaLabels_Carignane

Testa 2010 Carignane

Grape(s): 95% Carignane & 5% Petite Sirah

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 25-30

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of bing cherries, raspberries, red currants, and earth greets the senses. A sip reveals flavors of plum, blackberry, and cherry that interweave with suggestion of minerals. A bright, lively red with apple fruit, enjoy a bottle with your favorite lamb dish. 151 cases produced.

Rating: 89