Vintage Eve Circa 7/2014: Tasting the First Rhônes From Workman Ayer

A new Facebook contact, Michel Ayer, invited me to like his winery Facebook page and try a couple of his Rhônes. A brief explanation describing what they do reads, “Workman Ayer is dedicated to producing small lots of ultra premium Rhone style wines from the Central Coast of California.” From there I investigated their website and learned:

552058_356294937784763_1071537086_nIt is with great pride (and significant relief) that we wish to announce the inaugural release from Workman/Ayer.

Our wine is the result of a project dedicated to producing small lots of ultra- premium Rhone style wines from California’s Central Coast. “De facto” is a Latin phrase meaning in fact, indeed, actually, and a synonym for genuine, real, sure enough and true. The 2010 “de facto”, is a wine that exists solely according to the vagaries of the vintage and our minimalist winemaking techniques. It is a wine that must be accepted as well as appreciated simply for what it is. We believe that the 2010 “de facto” is the genuine article and hope that you will take this opportunity to enjoy our inaugural vintage release.

Our story began years ago with the joining of two great families. The Workman family has a long and broad history in the northern California wine business. The Ayer family has deep roots in agriculture in Iowa and California. These two families have come together to produce the 2010 Workman/Ayer “de facto” red wine.

The 2010 “de facto” is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre from California’s central coast, a region known for producing Rhone-style wines of great depth and character. The Syrah brings power to the blend while the Grenache adds softness along with spicy berry flavors and the Mourvedre provides tannic structure. 74 cases of the 2010 “de facto” were produced.

The 2010 “de facto” is available to order for $46/bottle plus tax and shipping and we offer a 10% discount on purchases of 12 or more bottles. To place an order please join our mailing list and we’ll contact you with availability. Thank you for your support and we look forward to hearing from you.

The Tasting

2013 ipso facto white wine

100% Viognier

Central Coast

14.1 percent alcohol

Aroma: Sweetened pink grapefruit, white peach, kiwi, juicy apricot, cotton candy and the hint of wet stones.

Flavor: The same apricot, with the addition of cling peaches, giving a nice viscosity and mouthfeel; some acidity in the mid palate and lingering fruit in the back palate for a nice finish.

 

2011 de facto red wine

Syrah blend

75% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache

14.5 percent alcohol

Aroma: The blackberry, blueberry, stewed mushrooms and oak tree bark made me want to linger over this one.

Flavor: Juicy blackberry with a backbone of green to black pepper and wonderful spice.

 

Conclusion

Surprised by this new winery and their first vintage. Find them online and give your senses a new winery to cuddle up to.