La Madia, Chicago
Tasted Tuesday, May 12, 2009 by cobbpa with 667 views
Having been part of the Syrah Smackdown fun, Jim Mack invited us all to have dinner with himself & Michael Browne. I'm no idiot, so I went.
The Rose & Late Harvest were experimental / personal projects of Jim & Michael's, so they were especially interesting to try, but the Viognier was the standout for me.
Being relatively new to wine, I've only had a handful of Pinots. I've had some good stuff, but some of these bottles showed me all that Cali Pinot can be. Extremely polished across the board. I'm sure everyone has their varying preferences based on style, but all of them are just gorgeous.
I think Jim brought some of almost everything he's made (he also brought the 07 Grenache, which I didn't write up but have had before...it's awesome ). I definitely preferred the 2007s to the 2006s, but nothing slouched here. It may be a little unjust to have your wine tasted after the Kosta flight, but what're ya gonna do?
Could not ask for better quality throughout the night. Although most of these were just a few months out of barrel, they were all showing very well. So fortunate to have had this chance to spend some time with Jim, Michael (both great guys) and the rest of the group for the Smackdown. What's next to try & top this?
2007 Jemrose Grenache Rosé Foggy Knoll 90 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley
Nose is full of bright red fruits (all kinds--berries, cherries, etc) with some great floral undertones woven in. Tastes richly of those red fruits with a hint of white fruit rind & some minerality underneath. I can feel the alcohol's warmth, but it doesn't detract from the great tastes & texture. Good length on the finish.
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2007 Jemrose Viognier Egret Pond 91 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley
This nose rocks. Melons, melon rind, a little wildflower hint, white fruits (pear esp.), all wrapped in a great perfuminess. So good. Has a little of the typical oiliness, but overal just a very rich feel. Acid throughout to balance, and the white-fruit based finish has a little spice to add interest.
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2008 Jemrose Late Harvest Viognier Egret Pond 88 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley
Lemon & orange marmalade on the nose, some dried citrus, and some almost fig-like hints (am I imagining this?). Reminds me of something between an Auslese & dessert muscat. Great tastes of grilled white tropical & citrus fruits. Nice sweetness throughout, pushing it a bit fat. Tasty tasty stuff though.
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