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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Gracianna 2010 Suzanne's Blend Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
The Award-Winning Wine:
Gracianna 2010 Suzanne's Blend Chardonnay Russian River Valley
Reason for Reviewing:
Gracianna 2010 Suzanne's Blend Chardonnay earned Best of Class honors at the 2011 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition.
Noteworthy:
"Gracianna wine is for those who have something to be grateful for. Gracianna - Grace, Graciousness, Gratitude"
Winery Notes:
Suzanne’s Blend is a lovely classic Russian River Chardonnay with a hint of tropical floral scents and citrus. There is also a slight butter cream flavor to round out this savory straw colored wine. Our judicious use of oak balances the fresh and crisp finish.
AlaWine Notes:
Gracianna 2010 Suzanne's Blend Chardonnay pours in the glass as a light-straw yellow color. Aromas of melon, peach, mango are revealed in a swirl and carry across on the palate, with some tropical fruit flavors, in a creamy mouth. A bright acidity accents the fruit and lingers through a very long finish.
Bottom Line:
Gracianna 2010 Suzanne's Blend Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, is a very elegant, and well integrated, wine from beginning to end, in taste, texture and finish. Suggested retail price is $34. Overall composite score: 95 points.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Rock Wall 2009 Zinfandel Reserve, Sonoma County
The Award-Winning Wine:
Rock Wall 2009 Zinfandel Reserve, Sonoma County, Monte Rosso Vineyard
Reason for Reviewing:
Rock Wall 2009 Sonoma County Zinfandel earned three Gold Medals in 2011: California State Fair Wine Competition, San Francisco International Wine Competition, and California Zinfandel Championship.
Noteworthy:
Rock Wall Wine Company is located on the former Alameda, CA Naval Air Base. The name Rock Wall refers to the defensive perimeter wall built during WWII in the San Francisco Bay to protect the base from Japanese air to sea torpedoes.
Winery Notes:
This Reserve Zinfandel is bright with ripe raspberry, creamy marion blackberry, vanilla, chocolate, honeycomb and spice. The vineyard is so decadent; the air actually smells of sweet honey.
AlaWine Notes:
The Rock Wall 2009 Zinfandel Reserve stands in the glass as a medium garnet-purple color. Pleasant savoury aromas rise to the nose. Fresh red berry flavors fill the palate in a smooth mouth. Complementary spice and moderate tannins round out a long flavorful finish.
Bottom Line:
Rock Wall 2009 Zinfandel Reserve is a full-bodied, yet balanced, Zin with rich taste and layers of complexity. Suggested retail price is $30. Overall composite score: 94 points.
