Best Santa Cruz Mountains Value Pinots (Under $30) - Round 4

We were joined by our friends for the fourth tasting of Santa Cruz Mountains Pinots under $30. This has been a Herculean effort. I appreciate everyone sticking with it.

The forecast was for showers, so we delayed a couple of hours and moved the tasting inside. It was a little tight, but we made it work. In the end the weather was nice and sunny, but we nixed the audible to move outside because there weren't enough hours of daylight and it would quickly turn a little nippy.

As we rearranged the living room, we realized we could fit one more table together into the big table. Sue dashed to Target to pick one up. Food prep was off by 30 minutes, but otherwise it resulted in more room for all. We selected and randomized at 4:30 before our guests arrived.

The Nebraska game started at four, so I only got to watch a quarter before guests started to arrive. Score updates kept me on the edge of my seat until finally disappointing. Even though they didn't win, it was a great game overall.

We started with a fantastic bottle of Patz & Hall, Hyde Chardonnay. I really enjoyed it. Sue thinks I've been getting more and more into Chards; I think we've been tasting better and better Chards. Shelves of the stuff prove one of us right.

After declaring a strict no politics policy, we started tasting. We enjoyed meats, cheeses, and fruit in addition to a treat of bacon wrapped potatoes.

Results

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F - 2011 Davine Cellars, Santa Cruz Mountains came in first place with an average of 3.53.

D - 2010 Mun's Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains came in second place with an average of 3.40.

B - 2010 Burrell School Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains came in third place with an average of 3.22.

C - 2012 Silvertip, Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains came in fourth place with an average of 3.21.

A - 2012  Perrucci Family Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains came in last place with an average of 3.08.

Judgment of Dublin

A couple of months ago we were invited by Dom and Marie-Anne to try out Pacific Catch in Dublin with Bob and Carolynn. During our dinner conversation it came up that Marie-Anne's father thought that while California did a great job on reds, it had gotten whites all wrong. I asked if she had ever heard of the Judgment of Paris. She had not, so we planned this tasting.

Maria-Anne generously supplied all the French wines.

I supplied the Californian wines. I found all the ones we used at K&L. After I purchased the Chateau Montelena, I read an article that detailed how the original wine maker of the Chateau Montelena had moved on to his own winery, Grgich Hills Estate. Further research revealed that he made a commemorative wine. I picked up one of these as well, but decided to stay with my original purchase. We'll enjoy this special bottle at a future date.

Dom brought in the wines to work days before, so that the temperature of all the wines would be the same when served.

We delayed randomizing until everyone arrived due to concerns about warming the wines, but I was able to prep the decanters and bottles.

Since we were only six we were able to have a glass for each wine.

I was worried the wine would warm, which it did, but Sue found a basket that held two decanters with ice quite nicely.

We started with a lovely glass of Veuve Clicquot. We randomized the wines and had a wonderful time tasting and talking.

Results

We tasted a lot of great wines.

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D - 2013 Francios Carillon, Puligny-Montrachet came in first place with an average of 3.25.

A - 2013 Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley tied for second place with an average of 3.17. It cost $40.

E - 2014 William Fevre, Chablis tied for second place with an average of 3.17.

C - 2009 Kistler Vineyards, Kistler Vineyard, Sonoma Valley came in fourth place with an average of 2.97. It cost $125.

F - 2009 Mount Eden Vineyards, Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains came in fifth place with an average of 2.92. It cost $80.

B - 2014 Grand Vin De Bourgogne, Pouilly-Fuisse came in last place with an average of 2.58. Bob told of of a co-worker from the past, Jeff, who would always say "There's no such thing as a bad Pouilly-Fuisse." My experience is limited, but so far I agree!

The French wines averaged a 3.00. The American wines averaged 3.02.

History did not repeat itself, but we all enjoyed tasting some excellent wines.

After the tasting Sue treated us with a wonderful New England Clam Bake, with a side of steak and chicken for non seafood lovers.

Tasting Some Old Cabs Bob Brought

At my 45th birthday party we tasted some Cabs. Bob generously brought some Cabs he said we didn't have to wait to drink: A 1984 Duckhorn Vineyards and 1986 Caymus Vineyards. Wow! We didn't get to them that night. I put them away for another day.

I brought them out, we added some more bottles, and tasted. At one point a grapefruit trampolined off the umbrella right pat Bob's head.

Results

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A - 2013 Dreaming Tree, California came in first place with an average of 2.92. It cost $15. John brought this. The reviews were good. Apparently the winery has some connection with Dave Matthews.

B - 2012 Picchetti, Bellicciti Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley came in second place with an average of 2.88. It cost $29.

F - 2007 Burrell School Vineyards, Dean's List, Luchessi Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains came in third place with an average of 2.62. It cost $39. Bob brought this.

D - 2011 Dariush, Napa Valley came in fourth place with an average of 2.28. It cost $95.

C - 1984 Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley came in fifth place with an average of 2.17.

E - 1986 Caymus Vineyards, Napa Valley came in last place with an average of 1.67.

Unfortunately the older wines were well past their primes and didn't show well, but we had a good time.

Best Santa Cruz Mountains Value Pinots (Under $30) - Round 3

We were joined by our friends to taste the third batch of 6 random Santa Cruz Mountains Pinots under $30 on a cool Spring night that was close enough to my birthday to elevate the event.

Days before Sue had performed a successful trial run of bacon wrapped potatoes in her new air fryer.

I brought out some of my big bottles to celebrate my birthday.

We warmed our taste buds with some yummy whites: A 2013 Dariush Chardonnay, a 2012 Thomas Fogarty Chardonnay, and a 2014 Picchetti White Pavone.

Sue served up all my favorites: Bacon wrapped potatoes, pot stickers, cheese and charcuterie. We all enjoyed the bites as we tasted. Occasionally some screamed of Trump and Obama. Our neighbors enjoyed our renditions of the Gambler and more.

Results

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All the wines we tasted were really good. Ted mentioned many times that he thought this was the best batch yet.

F - 2013 Villa del Monte, Santa Cruz Mountains came in first place with an average of 3.39.

E - 2012 Storrs, Santa Cruz Mountains came in second place with an average of 3.26.

D - 2012 Nicholson, Cuvee, Santa Cruz Mountains came in third place with an average of 3.24.

C - 2012 Trout Gulch, Santa Cruz Mountains came in fourth place with an average of 3.20.

B - 2013 Alfaro, Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains came in fifth place with an average of 2.68.

A - 2009 Domenico, Santa Cruz Mountains came in sixth place with an average of 2.54.

After the tasting we enjoyed some special treats.

We enjoyed the double magnum of 2010 Kings Mountain Pinot from last year's Silicon Valley Wine Auction. This was the first double magnum I have ever served. Pouring from a double magnum is an incredible feeling. The bottle is huge! Magnums are fun, but they do not compare. The Kings Mountain was delicious! I'll be looking to win this again, at this years event.

We enjoyed a 1999 Trout Gulch, that Gerald Turgeon had given us to throw into a blind tasting as a ringer. What an incredible gift to share with us! Thank you Gerry. I've never tasted something so old.

Sue rounded out the night with Fred's steak, salad, other fixins, and some cake.

2016 SF Chronicle Wine Competition Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Medal Winners

The results are in for the 2016 SF Chronicle Wine Competition. Congratulations to the 26 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinots! I'll ponder which should be tasted.

Apriori

• 2014 Hicks Family Vineyard, $48.00, Bronze

Armitage

• 2013 Mt. Roberta Vineyard, $35.00, Silver

Bargetto

• 2013 Regan Estate Vineyards, $45.00, Silver
• 2013 Santa Cruz Mountains, $35.00, Silver
• 2013 Santa Cruz Moutnains, $60, Double Gold

Beauregard

• 2013 Santa Cruz Mountains, $40.00, Silver

Byington

• 2013 Byington, $45.00. Gold

Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards

• 2013 Finley Vineyard, $33.00, Silver

Kings Mountain Vineyards

• 2012 Kings Mountain Vineyard, $65.00, Gold
• 2011 Kings Mountain Vineyard, $60.00, Silver

La Honda Winery

• 2013 Santa Cruz Mountains, $23.99, Silver

Left Bend

• 2013 Muns Vineyard, $40.00, Silver

Loma Prieta Winery

• 2013 Santa Cruz Mountains, $50.00, Bronze

McHenry Vineyard

• 2013 McHenry Swan, $44.00, Bronze
• 2013 Santa Cruz Mountains, $34.00, Silver

Muccigrosso

• 2009 Santa Cruz Mountains, $34.99, Gold

Nicholson Vineyards

• 2011 Santa Cruz Mountains, $49.00, Bronze
• 2012 Brooks' Block, $39.00, Gold

Russian Ridge Winery

• 2013 K. Berry, $30.00, Silver

Sonnet

• 2013 Muns Vineyard, $40.00, Bronze

Soquel Vineyards

• 2013 Soquel Vineyards, $40.00, Gold
• 2014 Lester Family Vineyards, $39.00, Bronze
• 2014 Soquel Vineyards, $35.00, Gold
• 2014 Santa Cruz Mountains, $30.00, Silver
• 2014 Soquel Vineyards, $75.00, Gold

Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery

• 2012 Far Away Block, #2, $44.00, Bronze

Best Santa Cruz Mountains Value Pinots (Under $30) - Round 2

We were joined by our friends to taste the second batch of 6 random Santa Cruz Mountains Pinots under $30 on a brisk Fall night. Unfortunately, some of the usuals were unable to attend: Bob and Carolyn, with Carolyn's knee still healing, and Jose, who was recovering from a couple of weeks in Bolivia. We hope to see them all next time. Given the smaller number of participants, we were able to provide a glass for each wines being tasted, a treat for sure.

Sue set us up inside, moving the couch back a couple of feet and the rug into another room. Everything looked great! I hoped our friends wouldn't look down and notice any of the spots the rug had covered.

All Set Up and Ready to Taste

Sue decorated a little, setting out some Christmas lights. Ted, who normally would have objected to Christmas lights before Thanksgiving, claimed the NyQuil, that was helping him recover from a cold, kept him from complaining.

Christmas Lights Already?

While we waited for everyone to arrive we enjoyed a Picchetti, Brut Rose and a Vine Cliff, Chardonnay. At seven we poured the wines and started rating as we discussed music, video games, politics, and more. I tried to play topical music, but started off with AWOLNATION and Meg Myers, who we had just seen with Ted and Shannon at Live 105's Fright Fest. Paul and Jennifer arrived as we started D, E, and F. We joked that we were just about ready to divvy up their A, B, and C. A glass per wine makes a world of difference in a tasting. It allows all the wines to be revisited, contrasted, and compared.

I was sure D was the oldest based on its appearance. Ted disagreed and bet $20 it was F. Ted was right, but I will point out we had chosen the two oldest wines.

Results

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All the wines tasted really good; all but one averaged above a three (I liked it).

F - 2010 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, Bailey’s Branciforte Ridge, Santa Cruz Mountains came in first place with an average of 3.79.

It is amazing that every time a Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Pinot has participated in one of our blind tastings, it has won:

• A Tasting for Kellie and Katie
• An Explosion of Pinots

E - 2013 La Honda Winery, Sequence, Santa Cruz Mountains came in second place with an average of 3.31.

A - 2013 Soquel Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains, Estate came in third place with an average of 3.16.

D - 2011 Rexford, Santa Cruz Mountains came in forth place with an average of 3.11.

B - 2013 Sante Arcangeli, Split Rail Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains came in fifth place with an average of 3.10.

C - 2012 Savannah Chanelle Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains came in last place with an average of 2.90.

We retried our favorites and a French wine Michel brought: 2013 Bourgogne.

2013 Bourgogne

Sue served a standing rib roast, fingerling potatoes, and sautéed brussel sprouts for dinner. She ended the evening with warm cookies. A great time was had by all.

Friday Night Malbecs for Jose

We have been acquiring Malbecs from the wineries we've visited in order to share them with our good friend Jose. Malbecs seem to be more popular these days. We were told in Napa that many wineries were tearing out there Syrahs to put in Malbec. Who knows if it's true.

Jose was free on Friday so I made the date and filled in the table. John decided to say yes, which is a rarity - my guess is the allure of conversations with Jose convinced him. Paul and Jennifer surprised us by being available at a last minutes notice.

Since we were only six, I decided to give each wine a glass. It was a mismatch of glasses for sure, but made comparisons in the tasting easy.

Everything is Ready

The Aftermath

We tasted, ate, and enjoyed each other's company.

Results

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E - 2011 Kuleto Estate, Napa Valley came in first place with an average of 3.08. It cost $55. We picked this up at the winery on our Wine Train inspired trip to Napa. Sue has loved India Ink, now renamed El Coyote, from Kuleto since she discovered it at Taste of the Town years ago with Bob and Carolynn in San Francisco. We took the opportunity to visit this beautiful place before going on the Wine Train.

View from Kuleto

B - 2012 Picchetti, Shoemaker Vineyards, Paso Robles came in second place with an average of 3.00. It cost $30. We picked this up at Picchetti, where we are club members.

The 2010 of this won the last Malbec tasting we had a couple of years back: I'm Dreaming of a Malbec Christmas.

D - 2009 Thomas Fogarty, Gist Ranch, Santa Cruz Mountains came in third place with an average of 2.75. It cost $52. We purchased this from Fogarty when we were members as part of a club shipment.

A - 2011 Capataz, Mendoza, Argentina came in fourth place with an average of 2.62. It cost $35. We picked this up in Napa at Dariush.

C - 2011 Chalk Hill, Sonoma County came in fifth place with an average of 2.58. It cost $45. We picked this up at the winery. The Chalk Hill AVA is a region of the AVA of Russian River AVA. I wanted to give it a try the last time we went to Sonoma.

F - 2013 Chilensis Reserve, Chile came in last place with an average of 2.45. It cost $8. John brought. He picked it up at Bevmo where they recommended a Chilean and Argentinian Malbec.