Winery - Michael Florentino Cellars
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is reminiscent of the best Glen Fiona Syrahs from the Rusty Figgins era. It’s 100% varietal from the Lonesome Springs Vineyard, quite dark and spicy with sweet berry fruit. Consistent stylistically with the other releases from Michael Florentino Cellars, this adds interesting details of white pepper and baking spices. Forward, fleshy, appealing, delicious and well-made.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The Zin is cut with 15% Syrah, a nice choice. Smooth and plummy and loaded with spice cake flavors, it’s a moderate 13.5% alcohol—light for Zin—but has plenty of oomph in the mouth, ripe fruit and a pleasing chocolaty finish. Great presence and polish elevate this well above the ordinary.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This follow-up to the winery’s excellent ’05 Tempranillo is soft and accessible, with light spice and supple acid. The blend includes just 5% Syrah (no Malbec this year). The fruit has an interesting component of peach and citrus, along with some fig and raisin. Nice balance in a relatively soft style.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Upon opening, the wine has scents that are ripe, leafy and slightly pruney, but the flavors come across as light and true. Cherry, fig and plum fruits, somewhat cooked, somewhat candied, mingle in a soft and fruity wine that takes some hours to smooth out. The fruit is both a little too ripe, and a bit green, the tannins green and the finish leafy.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Malbec is relatively new and rare in Washington, and it is still some years before most of the vines are mature, but the potential is there. This is 100% varietal, quite light, with forward fruit suggesting cherry, plum and berry. It’s balanced with good acids, but there is not yet much depth or detail.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The Mourvèdre is the most complex and substantial of the 2006 reds from Michael Florentino. It’s a wine with hints of muscle and depth, its tart red fruits threaded around earth, pepper, smoke, caramel and mocha flavors. The wine persists without becoming harsh or hot, and the way it evolves in the mouth suggests midterm aging potential as well.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Syrah is still finding its way in Washington, and a certain sameness affects many of these wines. This tastes like the product of relatively young vines; spicy, leafy and lightly peppery, with tart cranberry and raspberry fruit, it’s balanced and similar to a lighter Zin from the Dry Creek Valley; tasty and fresh, without over-reaching.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Light, elegant and spicy, this polished wine shows an unusual mix of blueberry and peach fruit flavors, and the impression of tart citrus and peach continues under the sweeter, dominant berry as it moves into a finish sporting fine tannins and crisp acids. A fine effort for this rarely seen (in Washington) varietal.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Winemaker Michael Haddox is exploring unusual, emerging grape varieties in Washington State. This well-made Malbec is just the start, showing dried cherry fruit, graham cracker toast, and hints of stone and graphite. It’s chewy and muscular, an interesting debut for the winery.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Made with genuine Portuguese varietals—Touriga, Tinta Cao, Souzao and Tinta Madeira—this excellent Port-style fortified wine could pass for a young ruby or LBV. Very fine winemaking and truly delicious fruit.
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