Several weeks back I had the wonderful opportunity to taste 4 exquisite wines by 2 very talented winemakers who happen to be husband and wife. Bibiana Gonzalez Rave produces her Alma de Cattleya wines consisting of varietals Rose' of Pinot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon. Jeff Pisoni produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rose' and Syrah from the Santa Lucia Highlands with several single vineyard offerings from Pisoni Family Vineyards
Bibiana who was raising in Columbia, produces wines which represent the uniqueness of Northern California. Her Alma de Cattleya wine derives its name from her heritage. Alma means soul in Spanish and Cattleya is the national flower of her native Columbia. What I real enjoyed with her wines was the versatility to pair with the patio outside or enjoy with dinner. The 2 wines we tasted were the 2019 Rose' Of Pinot Sonoma County and the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County.
Jeff looking at the history was destined to be a winemaker. You grow up in a family business of grape growing and wine, understand the land and farming aspect and the natural progression to winemaker. Thanks to Gary Pisoni who went against the odds of planting grapes in the mountains, the result is these beautiful Lucia wines and the Pisoni Estate wines. The 2 Lucia offerings we tasted were the 2018 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands and the 2018 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands. Both wines are elegant, sophisticated and taste well over their price point.
The 2019 Rose' Of Pinot Noir was sourced from vineyards in the Sonoma Coast and Carneros regions. Harvested and night, the grapes were hand sorted and gently pressed with the juice being allowed to settle overnight. Racking commenced then the juice is aged in neutral French oak barrels for 6 months. Production on this wine is 500 cases. The nose starts with beautiful fresh cut rose petals followed by ripe strawberry and citrus. Crisp and refreshing tingling the senses. The mouth is so juicy bursting with wild strawberry and floral notes. Beautiful acidity from start to finish. A definite value at $20.
The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc fruit was sourced from 5 different vineyards on hillsides in Sonoma County. The clones selected were Clone 1 and Musque. Harvested at night, hand sorted and gently pressed this wine is aged in neutral French oak on its lees for 6 months. The nose shows nicely with sliced grapefruit and hints or orange and lemon zest followed by wildflowers. The mouth I love with the soft grapefruit and kiss of lemon citrus finishing with a hint of orange zest. So well balanced and refreshing. price point on this wine is $22 with 2250 cases produced.
The 2018 Chardonnay was sourced from Pisoni's Gary's and Soberanes Vineyards in the Lucia Appelation. Hand picked and sorted, these limited production wines are aged with native yeast in selected French oak barrels for 11 months. The blend for this wine is 100% estate fruit with each vineyard providing a unique character to the wine. The higher elevations of the Pisoni vineyards gives the wine the baked apple, pear and lemon curd character while the Soberano vineyards gives the wine a citrus blossom and wet stone distinction. The nose showcases apple, pear with hints of baking spice. The mouth is lush with apple pie and baking spice intertwined with sliced pear, a splash of lemon and finishes with a toasted vanilla crème. One fine chardonnay priced at $45 and 480 cases produced.
Final wine the 2018 Pinot Noir which was sourced from the Pisoni, Gary's and Soberanes Vineyards. Hand picked and sorted the wine is aged 40 months in French oak barrels. The wine is a combination of 41% Gary's Vineyard, 32% Pisoni and 27% Soberanes. The aromas of dark cherry, red berry clusters, spice and crushed herbs race from the glass once poured. The mouth screams pinot with dark cherry, a tartness of red currant, raspberry, a hint of strawberry with a nice subtle spice and herbal notes on the finish. Outstanding expression of Pinot Noir priced at $45 and 1460 cases produced.
Bibiana and Jeff thank you for the introduction to your wines. Ranks up near the top of some of the wines I have been lucky to taste on these tweetups. Robert thank you as well for the opportunity to taste as part of the participants selected.
If you would like to purchase these wines below are the website links to the respective wines
Cheers
Dan
