Alcoholic Californians

Dinner at the Press Room.

2008 Sans Liege Côtes-du-Coast - an interesting blend of the three principal Rhone white varietals - Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne. The young wine was incredibly fresh and floral, with minerality, sweetness, tropical fruits that smelled like a piña colada. It was very ripe and a little hot on the finish, as the back of my throat gets a little singed by the 15.4%. A very nice wine to drink, and very affordable.

2008 George Vintage VI Pinot Noir Ceremonial Vineyard - this was my third time tasting wines from George, and I really love their wines. Tons of strawberries, along with some candy, herbs, bacon fat and farmy notes... This was the lightweight of the evening, coming in at 14.1%.

2000 Clos Mimi Syrah Bunny Slope - I love the wines from Clos Mimi, coz they are so out there. I double-decanted the wine in the office, and it was just opening up after 4 hours, so it wasn't as good as I had hoped. It was typical of the Californian Syrahs that I tend to buy - really huge nose of iron, rust and minerals on top of the fruit, plus some herbs and pine needles. This wine comes out swinging at 15%, and as with past experience may actually taste better the next day...

Full post on dinner is here.