Notes From A Recent Tasting Of The New Rusack Wine Releases – For those not aware, Rusack Wines are part of the famed Wrigley Family. Wine makers John & Helen Falcone have another series of hits w/ this years releases. Notes from last nights tasting:
Chef Mike Fraschilla
2010 Santa Ynez Sauv Blanc ($12-14) – Balance Sauv B w/ soft notes & flavors of citrus, fresh cut grass, and chalky minerality. More Sancerre than New Zealand.
2009 SB Co. Chardonnay ($19-22) – A well made very balanced Chard. Great notes of grilled pineapple & lemon zest. Malo’d yes but still w/ a pleasing acidity & good finish.. A SEEK, FIND, BUY, and ENJOY WINE!
2008 Santa Maria Reserve Chardonnay ($27-29) – This “Rombauer-esque” Chard is front loaded w/ notes & flavors of pleasant vanilla-butterscotch. A big full mouth-feel but a slightly soft finish!
2009 SB Co Pinot Noir ($25-28) – A strait forward Pinot huge nose & flavors scream red cherry. Fruit whores will want to Seek, Find, Buy & Enjoy this wine!
2009 Santa Maria Pinot Noir ($29-32) – Great balance of dark cherry fruit & mushroom/truffle earthiness. My favorite Pinot for the night. A Seek,Find, Buy, & Enjoy Wine..
2008 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir ($33-36) – A muscular Pinot typical to the SRH region. A bit tight & soft on the finish.. Would like to come back to re-taste after a few more months of bottle aging!
2009 SB Co. Syrah ($21-24) – Ok the 2008 made #27 on Wine Spectators Top 100 & this release is a great follow up! BIG dark inky Syrah bursting w/ notes & flavors of blackberry, licorice, lavender, and pepper spice. Great long finish. One of two wines I went back for re-taste to “drink” and not spit! Big Syrah lovers will find this better than last years 08! A MUST SEEK, FIND, BUY, and ENJOY WINE!
2008 Santa Ynez Sangiovese ($27-30) – A good effort at Sangiovese grown here in CA. Not as bright as say a Chianti & not as deep as say a Brunello. Perhaps then a CA version at Rosso di Montalcino? : )
2008 Santa Ynez “Anacapa” Cab-Franc ($33-35) – An earthy chalky Cab-Franc usually only sold winery direct. A bit pricey & perhaps not enough balance of fruit for lovers of “California” wines!
Of course missing from this tasting was the Rusack Zin (Winery/Wine Club Direct) produced from grapes grown exclusively on Catalina Island (The Wrigley Family” Island Conservancy owns 88% of the island). Based on climate and topography I might have thought Pinot Noir or Syrah could also be ideal grapes to grow on Catalina (One Can Still Hope), but then again what the hell do I know? : ) Still a fantastic flight of wines from a winery that seems to get better w/ each new vintage! : )
“Chef” Mike is noted among Friends, Family, and Acquaintances to be your “The Passionate Advocate” for Wine, Beer, Spirits, Food, and most matters considered to live La Dolce Vita!
Mike has over 20-years experience as collector, caterer, promoter, consultant, educator, and pundit in matters relating to the food & beverage industry. He welcomes questions, comments and critiques and can be reached through email at: askchefmike@hotmail.com OR mpf24pinotmedia@hotmail.com