The Lane Winery

• November 2009

  Looks like you've enjoyed pinot noir from Oregon, and syrah/shiraz from Oz and elsewhere. I'll start with four suggestions that I've already made in other Snooth threads, one set slightly below your price range and one set slightly above, so maybe they'll average in your comfort... Read moreLooks like you've enjoyed pinot noir from Oregon, and syrah/shiraz from Oz and elsewhere. I'll start with four suggestions that I've already made in other Snooth threads, one set slightly below your price range and one set slightly above, so maybe they'll average in your comfort zone. Pinot noir from Oregon and California: --Once Wines California/Oregon Pinot Noir; made from 60% Willamette grapes and 40% Taylor Lane grapes from the Sonoma coast; a *great* value for a little north of $20; last I checked it was the house wine at French Laundry and a few other choice eating establishments. --Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Pinot Noir, just south of $20; not the too-frequent gaggingly thick, syrupy pinots that seveal California producers turn out, but more delicately balanced; another great value considering that the even better California pinots from the Sonoma Coast and elsewhere are now several multiples of this price. Southern Rhone blends including Syrah: -- 2007 Perrin & Fils "Reserve" Côtes du Rhône $7.99; better than many Chateau Neuf du Papes three or four times its price; being from the palate-bogglingly good 2007 vintage that we'll be looking back at for decades to come only helps; 2007 Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône-Villages 50% syrah, 50% grenache $10.99 is also very good. --2007 Delas "St-Esprit" Côtes du Rhône 75% syrah, 25% grenache $9.99; even better than the Perrin & Fils, which are excellent; you'll also find these wines more balanced than the shiraz from Oz, IMO. There are many more syrahs and pinots out there, once you find what you like. But I think these are pretty good starting points. If you can't find them at your local shops, try K&L Wines in California (Bay Area and a newer branch in LA): http://www.klwines.com/content.asp?N=4294967276+4294967039&Ne=38&Nr=OR%28OutofStock%3AN%2CInventory+Location%3ASpecial+Order%29&Ns=QtySoldLast30|1    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Newbie looking for Red Wine... by dmcker

  
  
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  November 2009

  Park Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

  Snoothrank:

  Good finish, not heavy oak but sweet tobacco taste. Let air for 30 minutes at least.

  Wine review by thomaskulish

  
  
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  November 2009

  Limerick Lane Zinfandel Collins Vineyard 2005

  Snoothrank:

  Really enjoyed this wine. Nice amount of spice yet fruit flavors still come through.

  Wine review by tck83

  
  

• November 2009

  Hey Mario, My Semillon purchases have arrived and I can't wait to get stuck into them with some oysters as you recommend. I have some Tyrell's Vat 1 Semillon 1992, Tyrell's Lost Block Semillon 1999, McWilliams Mount Pleasant "Elizabeth" Semillon 1998, Margan Estate Semillon 2003... Read moreHey Mario, My Semillon purchases have arrived and I can't wait to get stuck into them with some oysters as you recommend. I have some Tyrell's Vat 1 Semillon 1992, Tyrell's Lost Block Semillon 1999, McWilliams Mount Pleasant "Elizabeth" Semillon 1998, Margan Estate Semillon 2003 and Annies Lane Clare Valley Semillon 2000. I opened a bottle of the Tyrell's Lost Block last night and really enjoyed it. I bought it as a cheap ($10 at auction) quaffer to help me become more familiar with Hunter Semillons but it's really surprised me with its complexity and accessability. I'm really getting into aged whites at the moment and can't wait to try the Vat 1.    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Hunter Valley (Australia)... by Richard Learmonth

  
  
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  November 2009

  Whitehall Lane Las Brisas Vineyard Pinot Noir Leonardini Family Carneros 2007

  Snoothrank:

  - Tasted at Lee's Wine Experience 11/7/09

  Wine review by VegasOenophile

  
  
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  November 2009

  Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2006

  Snoothrank:

  - Tasted at Lee's Wine Experience 11/7/09

  Wine review by VegasOenophile

  
  
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  November 2009

  Limerick Lane Zinfandel Collins 2001

  Snoothrank:

  No written review

  Wine review by mdotbb

  
  
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  November 2009

  Limerick Lane Collins Vineyard Zinfandel 1997

  Snoothrank:

  No written review

  Wine review by mdotbb

  
  

• November 2009

  Sapphire Hill in Sonoma makes "the Harlot". Great name and it's the blend you want. Limmerick Lane, one of my favorite little producers, makes something called "1023" which is their address. Same blend. I think zin has been around in CA for longer than syrah, or at least there's... Read moreSapphire Hill in Sonoma makes "the Harlot". Great name and it's the blend you want. Limmerick Lane, one of my favorite little producers, makes something called "1023" which is their address. Same blend. I think zin has been around in CA for longer than syrah, or at least there's been a lot more of it planted over the years. There's not a lot of old vine syrah in the state. But syrah is quite trendy these days and plantings are increasing, so maybe there will be some in the future. Anyhow, a while ago the growers in Mendocino formed a consortium to promote their area. They figured cab was identified with Napa, pinot noir with Carneros and Russian River, and even chardonnay with Sonoma. But they have plenty of zin. So they came up with the name "Coro" that is supposed to make people think of Mendocino and zinfandel, just like they came up with the name "Meritage" to make people think of Bordeaux blends of cab, merlot, cab franc, etc. Never heard of Coro? That's the problem isn't it? "Meritage" at least has the virtue of naming something that already exists to a large extent. It's become a shorthand for the blend but originally it was supposed to designate a quality level as well. And that's why I think it failed. It's silly to try imposing the European concepts like D.O.C. etc, onto California. Those came about because of protectionist thinking on the part of special interests wielding political power. However, I don't think it's silly for producers themselves to identify certain strengths or to try to build brands. The plan of the Mendocino winegrowers is, or was, to make a blend that is quickly identified in the mind of the shopper. It's an uphill battle, but an interesting idea. The blends must include 40 - 70 percent zin and the rest can be something else that they're growing up there. And they're growing a lot, including Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Sangiovese, Grenache, Dolcetto, Charbono, and Barbera. So look for producers out of Mendocino.    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Zin/Syrah blends? by GregT

  
  
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  October 2009

  Benton Lane Pinot Gris 2006

  Snoothrank:

  No written review

  Wine review by kgeldbach

  
  

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