October 2006 Wine Tasting Notes:
2000-2001 Cottonwood Canyon Synthesis.
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Wine
streaks noted on the cork which was flush with the mouth of the
bottle. A distinct 'pop' suggested a good seal. The wine was
decanted into a broad-based decanter and tasted over the course
of approximately 2 hours. This blend displayed a dark inky garnet color. The nose is a blend of deeply toasted oak notes of mocha as well as star anise and hints of nutmeg, clove and caramel. The fruit aromas took a bit of a second seat and consisted of blackberry, cherry and a note of blueberry. The palate also displayed prominent sweet oaky and spice notes which upstaged the currant, blackberry and dark cherry flavors with a hint of plum. Firm, robust tannins on the mid-palate were accompanied by appropriate acids and alcohol level. A medium finish continued the blackberry, dark cherry and plum backed with cloves and just a hint of violet. |
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RWB Score: 91 breakdown 14.7% Alcohol $67.00 Retail (from winery); 98 cases produced |
This wine
is
still tannic but holds promise and requires
patience and restraint. However, at 3 years past bottling, there
is a bit less fruit expression than expected in a Cottonwood Canyon
red. While the Merlot is nicely voiced, I would like to see the
Cabernets speak up more. The robust tannins should mellow and
more fruit should reveal itself by 2009. At that time, expect a
profile with more roasted spice character than the brightly
fruity character of the 1997 Synthesis. After that, it may keep
well another 5-10 years.
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More Cottonwood Canyon reviews
Detail
Composed of 50% 2001 Cabernet Franc (Lodi), 25% 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% 2000 Merlot (Paso Robles, both). The cabernet Sauvignon and merlot were aged 34 months in French and American oak. The Cabernet Franc was aged for 22 months in similar cooperage. No further barrel aging of the finished blend was done. Since bottling, in June 2003, the wine has spent over 3 years in the bottle. A portion of the Cabernet Franc was bottled separately and we are told it will be released in the future.
It's important to address issues relating to cork and bottling methods here. There are two reasons why a cork will display wine streaks along its sides: One is a result form excessive heat expanding the wine, which pushes against the cork, seeps past the cork and pushes the cork up past the mouth of the bottle. In such situations, the wine may display varying degrees of browning, taste cooked or the aromas and flavors may be very dull or muted. The other reason for wine seepage past the cork is carelessness during bottling. We have seen occasional evidence of this in some Santa Barbara County wines. A telltale of this problem tends to be sogginess of the end of the cork in addition to streaks of wine on its side. This occurs when the bottle is overfilled and as the cork is pushed into the neck, great pressure builds within the bottle and wine. The pressure forces the wine up the sides of the cork as well as into it. This is a set up for cork failure and the attendant wine spoilage. The problem is easily avoided by paying close attention to not overfill the bottle. As the wine ages in the bottle, the ullage will increase, creating a vacuum. If the cork or its seal coating are damaged, this will draw in air into the bottle and spoil the wine. So the word of caution here would be directed to all those who participate in the process of bottling wines - winery workers, commercial enterprises as well as club members who participate in 'bottling parties'.
The 2000 year was generally an even growing season despite a few heat spikes which dried a small portion of the berries and some rains during harvest which did not damage any significant portion of the crops. At 23% greater than the previous year, the crop was considered uniformly ripe with an excellent balance of sugar and acids and superb extract of color and flavor. 2001 was a warm, generally dry and sunny year with nearly ideal growing conditions across the Central Coast. Some weather variation and tight irrigation management, the wine grapes of 2001 were smaller with a higher skin to pulp ratio. The resulting wines have more color, and intensified flavors. Cabernet grapes were reported the big winners in 2001: rich, deep in color and well balanced.
Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery was founded in 1988 by Norman and Sharon Beko as a small, ultra-premium winery specializing in Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. At the time of its founding, there were 46 acres of 15 year-old Chardonnay. The current estate of 78 acres is planted to 18 acres of Pinot Noir, less than 18 acres of Chardonnay and 5 acres of Syrah. Located 19 miles from the ocean, the vineyard benefits from a strong marine influence. Norman Beko strives to achieve Old World styled wines and releases his offerings after longer bottle aging than most other wineries.
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5 points |
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Nose |
4 points |
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Palate |
3 points |
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Finish |
4 points |
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Tannins |
4 points |
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Acidity |
5 points |
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Alcohol |
5 points |
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Aging potential |
3 points |
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Overall quality |
8 points |
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