Winery - Airfield Estates
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
As it should, this reserve Syrah steps it up a couple of notches from the winery’s regular bottling. Dark, meaty, laden with tangy blue fruit flavors and lots of smoked ham and sage; this is a savory wine to, well, savor. It opens up nicely in the glass, layer upon layer, and finishes slowly with a balanced mix of fruit, earth, stem and tannin.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Whether it’s the vintage, or simply the evolution of winemaking at this new winery, this reserve Chardonnay is more restrained and structured than past efforts. Still young and compact, it shows succulent green apple and white peach flavors along with toast and butterscotch.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Chardonnay and Marsanne starts with strong scents of toast, then hits the mouth with concentrated orange peel, orange candy and other tropical candy flavors. The mouthfeel is substantial, with evident tannins, and a soft, juicy finish. Definitely a drink-now wine, with some burn in the finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Full-bodied and loaded with ripe, round fruits, this forward and juicy Sémillon shows some new oak flavors, but retains its varietal character and most importantly, its freshness. A mix of melon, pineapple and white peach, with some skin phenolics evident in the finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The blend works well enough, although the thinness of the fruit, evident throughout the portfolio, is also seen here. There’s lots of color in these red wines, but no flesh.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A broadly fruity mélange of red grapes, moderately tart and pleasant enough as a simple pizza and pasta red. At the listed 14.4% alcohol, you might hope for a bit more concentration.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Tart strawberry fruit grabs the palate and doesn’t let go; this is a straightforward, light, fruity Zin, with perhaps a whiff of pepper from the addition of 10% Syrah.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A rare Washington Dolcetto, this has the expected tart acidity, along with peppery red fruit. Finished with a screwcap, it needs some extra breathing time, and as it opens it shows some pretty raspberry fruit and just a hint of dark chocolate.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Roughly half Grenache, the rest a mix of Syrah, Cinsault, Counoise and Mourvèdre; this southern Rhône-style red has a spicy, juicy vitality that makes it a good quaffer. The grapes are just ripe enough, still showing some rhubarb and sweet tomato flavors, and the tannins are quite soft, though still herbal.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is essentially Tempranillo, with small amounts of Grenache and Syrah added; it is light and scented with sweet cracker. Fruit flavors favor cherry candy, with a leathery, tackroom undertone. The tannins are leathery and stick to the tongue, dampening the fruit.
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