February 2007 Wine Tasting Notes:
2005 Koehler Grenache, Santa Ynez Valley.
|
|
This Grenache is a deep, dark ruby color with a purple rim and sparkling clarity. The nose offers moderate intensity tangy strawberry up front and a hint of blackberry. Light notes of lavender, vanilla and oak follow. The palate shows medium intensity tart and juicy strawberry and lighter cherry. Persistent, bright acidity and delicate but distinct tannins make for a slender core. This combination of fruit extraction and alcohol levels makes for a lighter body and smooth, but hot mouthfeel. A more modest, strawberry-dominated finish ends a bit hot. |
|
Cumulative Score: 88 breakdown 14.5% Alcohol $30.00 Retail (from winery); 412 cases produced |
The 2005 Koehler Grenache is vibrant, fruity and scintillating. The acidity accents the red fruit without being aggressive making for a wine that is sleek and not fleshy. Youthful and approachable, it offers a good deal of breadth. Expected to drink well alone or paired with steak or lamb for another 3-4 years. |
| Detail | Tell a friend about this wine |
More reviews of Koehler Wines More on Santa Ynez Valley |
Harvested at 24.8° Brix, cold soaked for three days and then fermented in open top fermenters, this wine was aged in 1-3 year old French Oak barrels.
We have tasted several 2005 Central Coast Grenaches so far and they are all vibrant and more composed than their 2004 predecessors. Although it is generally thought of as a Rhône variety Grenache (Grenache Noir and its relatives Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris) originates from Spain where it is called “Garnacha” where there is twice as much planted as in France. In fact, it is currently the most widely planted red wine variety in the world and goes by many names, depending where it is grown. It has some history in California as it is reported to have been used in the jug wines of the Central Valley for decades, third only to Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. It is only now coming into its own as a varietal and in blends, in no small part due to the successes of the Rhône Rangers. Traditionally, it has been used as a component of red blends (typically in the Northern Rhône), usually as the grape for Rhône rosés and as the main component component in most Southern Rhône red blends. In Spain, it is the main component of red blends from the Rioja and Catalonia. It is a sturdy, prolific variety (hence its utility in the Central Valley jug wines) and tolerates dry and hot climates. Grenache makes for softer, less intensely colored, fruity varietal wines often described as ‘fleshy’, ‘fruity’ and ‘heady’. Hence its versatility in blending: it can soften tannic Syrahs and fill out thinner wines. Its distinct sweet, ‘dusty’ and ’fleshy’ mouthfeel is typically supported by flavors of black currants, cherry, licorice and strawberry. Barrel aging can impart vanilla notes. With a heavier oak regiment it can become smoky. Bottle aging will see this variety fading relatively quickly and displaying dried fruit flavors. Despite the tannin and acids, Grenache is not known for its longevity.
The 2005 year saw an increase in crops over the preceding years. The year is being compared to the acclaimed 1997 vintage because of a very long and generally cool growing season without heat spikes. This long season resulted in extended hang times in even temperatures which gave the fruit good extraction but lower sugar levels. The slow ripening of the fruit is expected to make for elegance and balance in the wines of this vintage.
Koehler Winery, in the Santa Ynez Valley appellation, evolved from a 1997 purchase of a property with vines up to 30 years old. At that time, all fruit grown was being sold to other producers. The vision of Kory and Peter Koehler, owners, was to make premium wines at affordable prices. 67 acres (of the 100 acre estate) are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Viognier. Most of the vines on the property are approaching 30 year in age.
The Koehler line up of wines produced prior to 2005 is solid with a number of stars. Beginning with the 2005 vintage, Koehler is releasing wines made by their new winemaker, Chris Stanton. Under Stanton's oversight, the winery will be making all estate wines, focusing on Rhône varietals with a total annual production approaching 10,000 cases.
|
5 points |
|
|
Nose |
4 points |
|
Palate |
3points |
|
Finish |
2 points |
|
Tannins |
5 points |
|
Acidity |
5 points |
|
Alcohol |
4 points |
|
Aging potential |
2 points |
|
Overall quality |
8 points |
Tell a friend about this wine!
Get the buzz:
-
Wine reviews
-
Great stories
-
Interviews
-
Wine education tools
-
New content every month
It's FREE!
Click here
Home | Contact Us | About Us | Feedback | Search | Tell a friend
Copyright © 2007 redwinebuzz.com All rights reserved.