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Steven Mirrasou Jr. |
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The tasting bar at
Valley of the Moon |
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Ivan Tamas Winery – this Livermore operation is run
by Steven Mirassou, Jr., from the fifth generation of this
family known for their winery in San Jose. Steve has hosted summer ZAP events at his
winery for the past two years, and I think he’s a great guy! 1997 Pinot Grigio – pale but
brilliant color – pretty and fruity, almost Sauvignon-like notes in the nose –
unfortunately it lacks fruit on the palate and finishes a bit short.
1995 Trebbiano Livermore Valley
from what was originally a 25 acre plot, much of which has been replanted due to disease.
Only 9 acres remain. Slightly pale in color – very interesting melon and citrus notes
in the nose – has an interesting and unique flavor profile on the palate –
certainly not Chard or Sauvignon-like. Pleasing body, and would pair very nicely with a
wide variety of foods. An amazing $9 at the winery.
1994 Sangiovese Livermore Valley
– a lighter color than most of the offerings today – no hint of age at the rim
– pretty, representative notes of Sangiovese fruit in the nose – surprisingly
rich flavors for the rather light color – has a lovely creamy and rich mouthfeel
– very smooth – has good medium weight fruit flavors and a clean finish. Another
bargain at $13 – if there’s any left.
Long Vineyards – despite
a divorce, Zelma Long (of Simi
fame) and her former husband, Bob Long, continue to
collaborate and produce wines from this Napa winery.
1997 Pinot Grigio Napa
Valley – pale yellowish color – pretty, but shy floral and peach
notes in the nose – disappointing on the palate – not showing much in the way of
forward fruit – finishes short and a little bitter.
1997 Sangiovese Sonoma County Seghesio
Vineyards – Pretty, dark ruby color – slightly restrained but lovely
identifiable Sangiovese fruit in the nose – a bit more heft on the palate than the
color suggests, nice depth of fruit with some slightly rough tannins, but this is still a
young wine, and will show better with a little time in bottle.
Valley of
the Moon Winery – recently purchased by Kenwood,
these people have built a new facility that is now open for visitors. The tasting room has
a beautiful curved and sculptured metal bar, and there’s a lovely patio in back
– and a great grandmother of a bay tree – perhaps the oldest in California.
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9-ball being held at bay |
1996 Sangiovese Mazzoni
Vineyard – 84%Sangiovese,
10%Syrah, 4%Grenache, 2%Mourvedre – lovely dark garnet color – pretty, perfumed
Sangiovese fruit in the nose – just a little disappointing on the palate – lacks
the forward fruit I would prefer, but this wine has not even been released yet, and I
suspect it may develop more depth with time in bottle. There are some unintegrated tannins
on the midpalate, but overall, a nice effort.
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