On this fateful night I had just opened a Napa Cab, unsolicited and sent to me to review, that I tasted, noted, recorked to save to make a wine reduction sauce out of as it was that bad. So, even though the last wine threatened to ruin my wine-tasting-mood, I turned to Russ’s first vintage and…read on dear wine friends to see what happened:
Nuggucciet Cellars 2009 Pinot Noir
Santa Maria Valley
14.6 percent alcohol
Color – Pale ruby, slight amber edge, clear, good condition.
Aroma – A welcome surprise to the senses! Bright cherry, vegetal, stemmy, barnyard, clean wet asphalt, with the palest notes of mushroom.
Taste – Bright raspberry fruit, spice, a refreshing light body and pleasant mouthfeel.
Finish – Short, a count of three to be exact.
After five minutes in my glass – Spices still carrying through, fruit throughout as well, and the palate feels it all in a very nice balance.
Conclusion – I would have it again! Next time I’d like it with food, maybe roast beef or roast chicken…
Disclosure – You think my pal Russ would have charged me? Think again, I asked for the bottle and he handed it over.
Russ’s comments – Thanks Eve, your kind words means a lot! I guess I would say that we got great fruit to work with and we tried not screw that up! We wanted to let the fruit express itself and bring out that classic Santa Maria Pinot style. We still need to get together and talk! Thanks again for the review! Russ
Find Nuggucciet wine – Purchase at The Cellar Wine Bar and Restaurant in Canyon Country (661-799-7979) or e-mail Russ at [email protected] $25 plus tax and shipping.
SCV Wine Calendar Highlights
Wine classes at Vino 100 go through September. Only $25 per class, reserve: 661-294-6886.
Don’t miss this, we never do: Wally’s 8th annual Bonaccorsi tasting event this Sunday, July 31, with wineries, food, auction benefits U.C. Davis’s School of Viticulture and Enology. Make your wine drinking count! 310-475-0606.
Justin Wine Tasting is August 4 at Wine 661 from 7-9 pm. Reduced prices on Justin bottles during event only. 661-288-2980.
The Rhone Rangers LA is another favorite of mine: Aug 7, 2-5 pm, in Santa Monica. 800-467-0163.
Rusty Sly’s Grape Of the Night: August 8, 7 p.m. at Valencia Wine Company will be Roussanne (85% or greater)
Now through 8/26, every Friday night is concert and picnic night in Paso‘s downtown city park.
The first SCVBeerFestival.com is set for September 10, admission includes beer and MORE.
Save the date for The Wine Affair: Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds on October 16: TheWineAffair.org
All daily events can always be viewed on the SCV Wine Calendar.
Yours, in wine and out,
Eve Bushman
Eve Bushman is a local writer that specializes in writing about wine. You can find great articles by Eve on her blog at http://www.evewine101.com or email her at [email protected]. Her commentaries represent her own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization she may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon. Eve also writes at http://scvelitemagazine.com and you can follow Eve’s Wine 101 on Facebook and Twitter!