WineSmith Cellars Mixed Reds

Tasting notes & discussion 115

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Typically $40 - $50/bottle from WineSmith Wines
Vintage 2008 Pinot Noir from California, 2015 Saint Laurent from Sonoma County, 2018 Norton from Yolo County, 2018 Petit Verdot from Alexander Valley, 2019 Malbec from Lake County, and 2019 Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley
Available for AZ; CA; CO; CT; DC; FL; GA; IA; ID; IL; IN; KS; LA; MA; MD; ME; MI; MN; MO; MT; NC; ND; NE; NJ; NM; NV; NY; OH; OK; OR; PA; RI; SC; SD; TN; TX; VA; VT; WA; WI; WV; WY
Sold by WineSmith Cellars, fulfilled by Wine Country Connect

About WineSmith Cellars
“WineSmith wines are noted for their longevity, classic balance, structural integrity, minerality and understated soulfulness. They often are aged extensively prior to release. When drinking a WineSmith wine, always ask yourself “What is this wine trying to teach me?” Clark is a vocal advocate of living soil and graceful longevity, and generally avoids excessive oak, alcohol, or extended hang-time. He is not shy about employing new tools when they are needed, such as alcohol adjustment to bring fruit into balance or micro-oxygenation to build refined structure, but always fully discloses techniques which are controversial and is outspoken in explaining his rationale.”

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TASTING NOTES:
Saint Laurent - “The addition of well-seasoned French oak in the fermenter helps extract and stabilize color and provides whiskey lactone, an aromatic lifting element. It really is like no other wine. You will find extremely dense, soft tannins supporting generous mulberry fruit which you might easily mistake for Gamay Noir except for its lingering basil aftertaste that reminds me of Carmenère. There is no better example of the postmodern winemaking principle of aromatic integration. The wine is actually full of pyrazines, yet does not smell like bell pepper, and only expresses them in the character of sort of Eastern European personality: generous and friendly but slightly cynical.” (AbV 11.8% , TA 6.7 g/L, pH 3.73)

Pinot Noir - “We were fortunate to have an abundant supply of the previous vintage to allow us to hold this wine for an incredible one hundred and eleven months. The result combines classic lavender and strawberry aromatics with soulful tertiary aromas of truffle oil and Asian spice which linger infinitely. Initially quite low in alcohol, its time in barrel elevated it to 13.5% through preferential evaporation of water in our dry California cellar.” (AbV 13.5%, TA 5.7 g/L, pH 3.73)

Norton - “Though rarely planted in California, Clarksburg’s long, warm summers are perfect for developing full ripe flavors and softening its considerable acidity. Its deep purple color, rich blueberry flavor and dense yet incredibly soft tannins have great curb appeal. This is Clark’s wife RuthE.’s favorite WineSmith offering. Its dense, soft body owes to a high degree of unfermentable polysaccharides similar to the unfermentable starches in microbrew beer.” AbV 12.9%, TA 7.1 g/L, pH 3.78)

Malbec - “Because of its proximity to Clear Lake, the site is also blessed with a “lake effect” – a daily visit from the cooling breezes off this deep body of water, largest in the State. The consequence is that the plum and cinnamon aromas the grape develops are conserved. Lake County’s dry air gives rise to droughty herbs that bathe the grapes in sage, bay laurel and rosemary nuances. These rich aromatics are supported by moderate tannins of great finesse and its lively palate energy makes this among the most complete and collectible expressions of Malbec.” (AbV 13.14%, pH 3.80)

Zinfandel - “Nobody disputes that this is the best wine we made in 2019. We picked at relatively low brix, co-fermented with Petite Sirah for its co-extraction properties (thank you Paul Draper for this trick). The wine pretty much made itself. This result is indescribably delicious. Intense raspberries with oak toast accents lead to explosive fruit in the mouth, stylish texture and a long, minerally finish unmarred by alcohol.” (AbV 13.8%, TA 5.9 g/L, pH 3.45)

Petit Verdot - “We require some desiccation to achieve a fine result, and because of its unbelievably dense color, there is no danger of dryness. We then replace that water for a balanced wine that extracts well. The resulting dense, oily tannins support seductive aromas of cassis, licorice and tar. The wine is somehow both understated and powerfully seductive, like the roll of a timpani that you feel more than hear.” (AbV 13.14%, pH 3.80)

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2015 WineSmith Saint Laurent

2015 WineSmith Saint Laurent
2008 WineSmith Pinot Noir

2008 WineSmith Pinot Noir
2018 WineSmith Norton

2018 WineSmith Norton
2019 WineSmith Malbec

2019 WineSmith Malbec
2019 WineSmith Zinfandel

2019 WineSmith Zinfandel
2018 WineSmith Petit Verdot

2018 WineSmith Petit Verdot

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