Some fine Californian wines from UK importer Roberson
Roberson wine have, for some time now, been championing new-wave Californian wines in the UK, and they have gathered an enviable set of agencies. I recently tried some of them, and these were my highlights.
Jolie Laide Pinot Gris 2018 Sonoma County, California
12% alcohol. Whole bunch, foot-trodden, 3 d skin contact. Pale pink with lovely detail. Fresh, crystalline citrus and peach fruit with some wild strawberry notes. There’s a touch of spice here, too. Shows elegance. 93/100
Kutch Trout Gulch Chardonnay 2017 Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Linear, fresh and precise but also with a bit of mealy richness. This has nice freshness and delicacy with a lemony core to it. Real interest. 95/100
Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2016 Santa Barbara, California
Taut, with a slight reductive edge to the nose, and a supple, generous, ripe palate. Sweet red fruits with a smooth mouthfeel, and fine spicy framing. Luxurious. 94/100
Hirsch San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir 2016 Sonoma, California
Supple and refined with pure red fruits. Has fine spiciness and a bit of grip. So restrained with lovely red fruits and a fine spicy finish. 94/100
Piedrasassi PS Syrah 2017 Santa Barbara County, California
Peppery and expressive on the nose. The palate is meaty and supple with deliciously rounded sweet red fruits, a bit of black cherry and some lushness. 93/100
Arnot Roberts Syrah 2016 Sonoma Coast, California
12% alcohol. Fine, fresh and vivid with subtle green notes and some peppery brightness. Fine and grainy with restrained and a lot of style. 94/100
Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California
Tight, fresh and lively with a hint of generosity. Focused blackcurrant fruit with some cherry and pepper notes. Structured with nice framing. A lovely Napa Cabernet showing restraint and lots of class. 95/100
Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California
So fine! Lovely nose of leafy blackcurrant fruit. Astonishingly complex and aromatic. Supple, sweet blackcurrant fruit here with real elegance and some leafy, spicy, gravel and tar complexity. 97/100
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