September 2006 Wine Tasting Notes:
2000 McKeon-Philips Ceazar, Santa Barbara County.
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A smoky ruby color with very nice clarity introduces this wine. The nose is composed of strawberry jam with light oak and cedar notes and lilts of smoke. Hints of chocolate and truffle are present. The palate is straightforward strawberry which continues into the finish. Very mild tannins and nice acidity characterize this medium bodied wine. Alcohol is kept nicely in check. |
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RWB Score: 90 breakdown 13.6% Alcohol $14.00 Retail (from winery); 308 cases produced |
A soft, medium bodied, Sangiovese-dominant Super Tuscan with straightforward fruit done in a clean and elegant old-world style. This wine is at its peak and ready to be enjoyed without any further aging. Great with pasta and other Mediterranean dishes. |
More McKeon-Phillips reviews
Detail
Composition: 80% Sangiovese, 4% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc - Lucas-Lewellen Los Alamos Valley Vineyards. 4% Cabernet Sauvignon - Lucas-Lewellen Valley View Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley.
The Los Alamos Valley Vineyards are planted with Rhône, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Italian varieties, some of which are 25 year-old vines. The fruit from this vineyards is highly sought-after by many winemakers. The lower elevations of the south-facing Valley View Vineyard are known for for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. The hilltop portion of the vineyard produces excellent Cabernet Franc and Syrah. In addition, small quantities of Petit Verdot and Malbec are grown in Valley View to round out the Bordeaux spectrum of varietals.
The 2000 growing season was mild with two periods of heat followed by some rains during harvest and crush, then intermittent rains during the picking and crushing. The crop was considered uniformly ripe with an excellent balance of sugar and acids and superb extract of color and flavor.
Ardison Phillips is the proprietor, winemaker, an internationally collected and recognized artist and professor at Allan Hancock College where he teaches a variety of subjects pertaining to food and wine. He designs almost all of the labels for his wines. His general wine making philosophy is to produce quality wines at affordable prices.
Keeping with that philosophy, he set out to make (in his words) "a very drinkable, medium/high acid wine, that would pair well with Italian dishes based on tomato sauces and savory meats with a good fat content." This is the first Tuscan blend offered by McKeon-Phillips. Another, is the 2002 Leonardo. The Leonardo is also a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
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4 points |
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Nose |
5 points |
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Palate |
4 points |
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Finish |
3 points |
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Tannins |
5 points |
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Acidity |
5 points |
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Alcohol |
5 points |
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Aging potential |
1 points |
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Overall quality |
9 points |
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