September 2006 Wine Tasting Notes:
2003 JanKris Riatta, Paso Robles.
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The 2003 Riatta is deep garnet in color. The nose is a nice interplay of blackberry, cherry and light oak with hints of pepper and briar. The latter two dissipate rather quickly with airing and fruit expression dominates. The palate is composed of strawberry and blackberry. These are followed by a cedary oak note and a light, creamy oak mouthfeel. The strawberry and blackberry continue on the medium finish. Light, supple tannins and moderate acidity make up the core of this wine's body. |
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RWB Score: 89 breakdown 13.8% Alcohol $17.00 Retail (from winery); 1644 cases produced |
An elegantly fruity and streamlined light-bodied Super Tuscan/Cal-Italian. This offering is a well executed blend of the component varietals. An imminently drinkable wine with unobtrusive tannins. Balance and fruit-forward character make for this wine's broad appeal. Pair this great value with lighter pastas, white meat and fish dishes. |
More JanKris reviews
Detail
A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Zinfandel and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Riatta was aged approximately 12 months in 100% neutral oak barrels.
The 2003 year was marked by climatic challenges that kept growers and vineyard managers on their toes. Reported early bud break, rain during fruit set and August heat were part of the 2003 roller coaster but at harvest time, temperatures became moderate. Despite the ups and downs, the resulting crop was one of particularly dense and flavorful fruit.
The vision for the Riatta line is to create a Super Tuscan with the element of Zinfandel. While it has achieved a standing as a varietal wine, Zinfandel was long a core component of California 'jug wines'. The Riatta reminds us of this grape's great blending utility. As all JanKris wines, the Riatta is made as a 'drink now'.
Established in 1990 by Mark and Paula Gendron, the winery is named after their two daughters January and Kristin. The tasting room and a portion of their vineyards are in west side of the Paso Robles appellation. The winemaking philosophy binding all JanKris wines is the motto of "Fruit-forward wines with soft tannins". Another notable characteristic of JanKris wines is their price point: All their wines are below $20, making them excellent values.
Three JanKris properties, comprising the 170 acre estate, are located both in the west ('Templeton Gap') and east portions of the Paso Robles AVA. Grapes grown are: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merolt, Mourvedre, Petite Syrah, Petite Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Viognier and Zinfandel. Sourced form old vines, JanKris wines combine the characteristics of more dense extraction and fuller body of eastern Paso wines and the age worthiness of wines from the western part of the AVA, JanKris makes varietal wines and Cal-Ital styled blends such as the Picaro and crossover blends like the Crossfire, (blending the Bordeaux varietals Cabernet, Merlot and with the Rhône Syrah grape).
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5 points |
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Nose |
4 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 |
4 points |
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Alcohol |
5 points |
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Aging potential |
1 points |
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Overall quality |
8 points |
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