Sta Rita Hills Wine Tasting

Friday, November 13, 2009

Wine Country, www.thewinecountry.com, is Signal Hill, hosted at "Sta Rita Hills" tasting tonight. The place was a sell out but I was happy to say that my name was the first on the list for this event.

Wes Hagen of Clos Pepe and Ken Brown of Ken Brown Wines were in attendance. Both were extremely informative and we learned a lot about the Sta Rita Hills area and how it was formed millions of years ago. This makes it ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The knowledge that these two people had made for a really enjoyable evening and along with the great wines we tasted it was a not to be missed event.

Not all the wines were from these 2 wineries. There were 4 other wineries represented and it really showed the difference in wine making styles.

First we had a 2008 Clos Pepe Chardonnay and a 2005 Ken Brown "Sanford & Benedict" Chardonnay. Even though they were not the same vintages I gave the edge to the Clos Pepe. It was very Chablis in style. 2008 was a hard year because of the frosts. A very limited production of this wine. Only 75 cases made. The Ken Brown was a more fuller mouth feel with a slight buttery taste. Great wine but I did personally prefer the Clos Pepe.

Next two was the Ken Brown Sta Rita Hills Pinot, a blend of Rio Vista, Sanford & Benedict and Clos Pepe and the 2007 Alma Rosa Sta Rita Hills Pinot. This time I gave the nod to the Ken Brown. It just suited my palate.

Along came the 2006 Ken Brown "Cargassacchi Vineyards" Pinot Noir with the 2006 Longoria "Fe Ciega Vineyard" Pinot. The Ken Brown took this one hands down. I did not care for the Longoria at all and ended up dumping it. I've always been a fan of the "Cargassacchi" grapes.

Next pairing was the 2005 Clos Pepe and the 2007 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir. Very interesting comparison. I have always been a fan of the 2005 vintage. And still am. Both wines will cellar.

Last was the 2008 Axis Mundi Syrah and the 2007 Samsara Melville Vineyard Syrah. The Axis Mundi is Wes Hagen's new baby. With the 2008 low yields he was looking for something to make along with the "very limited" production of his Pinot's & Chardonnays. Axis Mundi was born. Its a really dark almost brooding Syrah. I think he has a real winner here and I did prefer it over the Samsara.

Great evening with great wines. Doesn't get better than this.