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Wine Recommendation
Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards
2005 Pinot Blanc(Sta. Rita Hills)
The Sanfords, in their new Alma Rosa venture, deviate slightly from their previous
label’s offerings, but still remain organic, sustainable and Burgundian. Under their old Sanford
label, Pinot Noir (and Chardonnay) was the main event, but the related white Pinot grapes were
not.
They have corrected that minor oversight with this 2005 offering of Pinot Blanc.
From the extreme western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation -- the part that’s the coolest and closest to the ocean influence -- comes this 2005 vintage of Pinot Blanc.
Bright, sunny and fruity on nose (reflecting its extended hang time?), the flavors are of white peach, nectarine, vanilla and wet stones. It’s not just a quaffer though: there’s a pull on the mid palate of a deeper fruit and mineral concentration that seems sharpened to provide their full palate effect. The mouth feel is rich and zesty but not over done and the bright flavors get a chance to really dance on the palate all the way to the zippy finish. Throw another shrimp on the barbie and just enjoy this wine big time.
Reviewed November 30, 2006 by Dennis Schaefer.
Other reviewed wines from Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards
 2004 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)Dennis Schaefer 8/31/2006 |
The Wine
Winery: Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards |
The Reviewer
Dennis Schaefer
Dennis Schaefer has been tasting and writing about wine for over 30 years, propelled by a continuing curiosity and burgeoning enthusiasm for discovering what’s in the bottle. Blessed with catholic tastes, he enjoys everything from the obvious to the sublime. A major requirement is that the vineyard, winery and winemaker consistently perform well and fulfill their potential. Balance, concentration and complexity are key to the tasting experience but, in the end, the purpose of wine is simply to give pleasure. |