2014 Claiborne & Churchill Central Coast Gewurztraminer
Classic Gewurztraminer with lychee, lychee pit, notes of light peanut shell, cheese rind, and leesy competents, not over the top with intensity or perfume. Good, smooth mouthfeel with exotic spices, medium plus acid ( yes, I did say “MEDIUM PLUS;” very rarely do I find good acidity structure in a Gewurztraminer, so it was a welcome surprise) and a weighty, oily finish with touch of bitterness.
2013 Claiborne & Churchill Central Coast Riesling
Lively combination of white peach, rocky minerals, and jasmine blossom. On the palate, it is just off dry and similar to German Riesling Halbtrocken in style. Racy acid, crisp and clean, this wine is precise and to the point. Trace of crushed seashell on the finish brought me right to the beach, with a Miyagi oyster in one hand and a glass of this in the other. This simply wonderful wine makes me forget it’s close to 95 degree out in the Bay Area today!
2013 Claiborne & Churchill Central Coast Pinot gris
Someone please bring me a cheese plate before I continue! Lush blooming primrose with cheesy leesy aromas and roasted hazelnut. Obvious use of lees stirring, complex finish, and quick refreshing!
2013 Claiborne & Churchill Central Coast Dry Muscat
Wow, the explosion of exotic fruit with rose petal perfume, BIG mouthfeel, and long finish accompanied by more spices at the end of the palate. This is the Broadway diva of the lineup: flashy, showy, and upfront. However, you can taste the feel and solid quality, which can only be achieved from many years of experience, learning, and tweaking.
2014 Claiborne & Churchill “Cuvee Elizabeth” Edna Valley Pinot Noir Rose
Elizabeth is the name of Clay and Fredericka’s daughter. She wears a lovely bright smile all the time and is extremely polite and a bit shy, the perfect description for this bottle of rose. Using the saignée method, the wine has a deeper hue of pink and more expressive nose., It is also weightier on the palate compared to other Pinot Noir Rose on the market. The dense red cherry fruit lingered after each sip, seducing me to go back for more. Oh, and in case you are wondering, the label was from a piece of artwork Elizabeth created as a kid. She’s too shy to share that out loud, so this will have to be a secret between us.
2013 Claiborne & Churchill Edna Valley Pinot Noir
Pretty, elegant, and lively, with just the right touch of soft baking spices. I simply love this Pinot; it is darn close to perfection! I look for balance in wine, especially when it comes to Pinot Noir, a delicate grape that should never be abused by heavy-handed winemaking. This wine hits the spot for sure; in fact, there are many similarities between this beauty and some of the best Burgundy I’ve tasted (dare I say, DRC?), showcasing restrained yet assertive fruit, hints of oak well-integrated throughout, and smooth and silky finish. I will have another please!
-AngieSomm-