Winery - Chatter Creek
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is a tannic, sleek style of Cabernet, still tightly wound up and closed down. There is good juice here, with bright berry/cherry flavors, just waiting for some additional bottle time to let it loose. Plenty of acids, good tannin management, and a stylish effort that will reward cellaring.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A rich, ripe nose rushes from the glass, redolent with cassis, black cherries and other, darkly mysterious spices. Some classic Washington bell pepper and dill adds interest, and the finish is thick and coats the palate with tannins tasting of coffee and chocolate.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Washington Pinot Gris is seldom seen — the bragging rights having been claimed by Oregon — but this appealing wine makes a good argument for more. Full, fleshy, pear-flavored fruit is perfectly balanced with refreshing acids. It’s a big, bold style that finishes with a hint of bitter rind.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is a respectable effort; seems to be oxidizing quickly, but it is elegant and clear, with a tartness that is reminiscent of Counoise. Nicely aromatic, with the rose petal and light tobacco leaf scents of the Italian grape.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
True to past vintages, this is a peppery Syrah from a cooler site, putting the accent on very tart and tight fruit flavors of wild berries and aromatic herbs. It’s well balanced and the tannins are reasonably ripe, with good grip.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Slightly sweaty, with some Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. It’s aromatic and has a modestly sweet fruity core of cranberry, spicy plum and cherry. Relatively light and accessible for a Cab Franc, this is a good wine for Thanksgiving turkey.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
In the Chatter Creek style, this is solid, well-made and varietal. Tart fruit flavors of boysenberry and pomegranate are set against firm tannins. Green tea, herb and peppery bark flavors take over the finish. The wine persists nicely in the finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Chatter Creek’s value-priced Bordeaux blend is often his most appealing red wine upon release. This is scented with hard cherry candy, and the flavors follow right on course. It needs some breathing time to open out, and as it does, the finish lingers with pleasing streaks of coffee and toast.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is drinking very well; there’s a little Merlot and Petit Verdot too in the blend. It’s plummy and open, a little loose-knit in the core but soft and approachable. Wrapped into the tart fruit are streaks of licorice and tar, with light loamy tannins.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This wine opens pleasantly with floral scents over tangy citrus fruit, especially lime. It’s tart and juicy, but it seems to close down in the back, and there is an impression of light toast, unexpected in a Viognier.
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