2007 S.B. FUTURES TASTING - SANTA BARBARA, CA -

Report on the 18th annual futures offering sponsored by the Wine Cask restaurant and wine store in Santa Barbara, Saturday, March 10, 2007. This annual event covers locally grown and/or produced wines from soon-to-be-released vintages. The tasting is normally presented twice during the Spring to accommodate all those interested. Some 50 labels were represented, pouring 125 wines. Admission to the tasting was $55, with the Wine Cask applying a credit back toward any purchases. The credit is based on a sliding scale. But basically, purchases over $500 will receive from 2% to 6% rebate in the form of an in-store coupon.

The tasting notes below were compiled from the first of this year's events. My scores reflect an overall estimation of the wine's current qualities using an alpha rating. You may compare my method to a numerical scoring method by referencing the following conversion chart. With a few exceptions, these wines are generally pulled from barrel samples and bottled especially for this tasting - sometimes on the same day. As such, it's important to remember they represent a 'work in progress,' rather than a finished wine. Therefore, the final wine may differ slightly in composition or blend - all of which means that you're speculating just a bit on the outcome. On the other hand, I've always found it instructive to estimate, based on a barrel sample, just how a finished wine will taste.

All prices listed are Futures prices from the Wine Cask, and are generally good through April 30, 2007. Finally, I've listed the production levels for each wine. Generally, these numbers represent the winery's FULL production amount; the amount actually allocated to the Futures Program could be substantially less.

Overall impressions: as expected, the wines were largely excellent. The 2005-06 vintages were both considered successful - though by varying degrees. All of the wines I tasted were balanced quite well.

Very nice Rhone wines are/were available from many of the 'usual suspects,' such as: Kenneth-Crawford, Samsara, Jelly Roll, and Core. On the Pinot Noir side of things, kudos again to Paul Lato, as well as to Au Bon Climat, and Rusack, and Rick Longoria.

It was nice to see a number of new or re-named labels represented in this tasting - which meant the arrival of many new Syrahs, Pinots, and blends in the lineup. Many excellent Pinots were available, and Syrahs were not in short supply.

There were several new labels, bottlings and producers at this event. The Alta Maria Grenache was a stunner, as was the Native 9 Pinot Noir. Rick Longoria produced a beautiful Tempranillo, and both Qupe and Piedrassi were showing some fantastic Syrahs.

One other thing I noticed. Prices are creeping up there. Yes, there are still bargains to be had, but there are more than a few wines hitting pusing $60 and over ceiling.

2005 Grenache "Nielson Vineyard" $47.95. Fabulous nose of espresso-laced red and black fruit. A little tight in mouthfeel right now, but this wine has gobs of fruit and amazing texture on the palate. Wow! 125 cases produced. Overall score: A

Comments: well, practically right out of the gate this effort of Paul Wilkins (formerly Alban Vnyds) is producing immense wines. We don't often think of the Santa Maria Valley as capable of Greanche, but this definitely will make people sit up and take notice.

2005 Pinot Noir "Λ" $27.95.
Lots of bing and black cherry in the nose. Excellent balance, bright, slightly hi-toned. Fantastic 1st effort. 1400 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2005 "Syrache" - SBC $22.95.
This nearly 75/25 blend of Syrah and Grenache has lots of dark berry, with just a dollop of raspberry in nose and mouth. Excellent balance, long finish. 500 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: Peter and Rebecca Work's 2nd release from their SRH vnyd is terrific. They're off and running now, and the line has already formed to buy the fruit.

2005 Pinot Noir "Fiddlestix" - SRH. $39.95.
Earthy nuances of big fruit and spice, with beautiful balance, and a grippy yet smooth mouthfeel. Very nice! 550 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2005 Pinot Noir "Dierberg" - SMV. $39.95. Lovely nose of ripe red fruit, this bottling has classic Santa Maria Valley ripe cherry fruit, excellent balance and long finish. Drinking beautifully now. 360 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2005 Pinot Noir "Clos Pepe " - SRH. $48.95. Lovely nose of dark fruit, this bottling has the classic Santa Rita Hills hint of black fruit and loam, excellent balance and long finish. Drinking beautifully now. Limited availibility . Overall score: A-

Comments: Joe Davis continues to deliver Pinots that are so different from each other, that it's like being on a tour of California.

2005 Pinot Noir "Sanford & Benedict" - SRH. $39.95. A bit tight aromatically, with nice cherry fruit and spice, very well balanced between fruit and acids, and long finish. 150 cases produced. Overall score: B

2005 Pinot Noir "Knox Alexander" $35.95. Usually one of my favorite bottlings, it too seemed a bit shy and Sourced mostly from Bien Nacido fruit. 500 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Pinot Noir "Isabelle Morgan" $39.95. Lovely nose of perfume, spice and dark cherry. Nice weight and balance on the palate, very tasty finish. Sourced mostly from S&B fruit. 300 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: this year's offerings seem more classic than the '04s - which is understandable considering the '04 vinatge. I was surprised to find the Sanford & Benedict a bit underfilled, wheeas the "Isabelle" seems to pack a lot more fruit on its frame.

2006 Pinot Noir "Ocean's Ghost " $43.95.
The '06 is big and rich, but also a very surprisingly ripe version of SRH Pinot. Well made, this style will certainly have it fans, though I'm probably not one of them. 250 cases produced. Overall score: B

Comments: Byran's wines have been getting bigger and riper in recent years. Not sure where this trend will lead.

2006 Pinot Noir "Santa Rita Hills" $34.95.
The wine is brimming with cherry and strawberry mingled with juicy acids. Mostly La Encantada and Ashley's fruit, this is some really tasty Pinot. 1000 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: former Sanford winemaker Bruno D'Alfonso's "Badge" label will be reserved for Pinot, to augment his Di Bruno Sangiovese.

2005 Syrah "Purisima Mtn " $29.95.
Big, ripe and a bit sweet throughout, there is pleant of black fruit, and licorice in both nose and mouth. 100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: Blair is winemaker for the Fess Parker brand, and this is his own label. Good winemaking here, but this is Syrah on steroids.

2006 Pinot Noir "Cargasacchi" $35.95. Surprisingly light in color, well balanced and almost elegant initially, the big structure starts to take on weight at mid-palate and finishes huge. 750 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2006 Pinot Noir "Jalama Vnyd" $35.95. Lovely nose of dark cherry, chewy mouthfeel, almost silky finish. 250 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: interesting differences here, and one could easily see how the Jalama is open for business right now, whereas the Carg is going to take some time to fill out.

2005 Merlot "Estate" $22.95. Deep and dark nose of dark berry and spice. Dense rich and chewy on the palate, with sweet tannins and huge finish, this is one big concentrated Merlot. 300 cases produced.
Overall score: A-

2006 Sauvignon Blanc "Estate" $14.95. Lovely nose of tropical scents, and seemingly perfect ripeness here. Vinified in 50% stainless and 50% neutral wood. 300 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: at $23, this Merlot is the best buy on the planet. Pay no attention to that bunk from "Sideways." This Merlot rocks! But, while we're at it, this Sauv Blanc rocks, as well!

2005 Pinot Noir "Ashley's" $28.95. Lovely nose of cherry, loam, and light touch of toast. Terrific mouthfeel and flavors, and long finish. 100 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: Chuck Carlson is the winemaker for Firestone's Curtis Winery, and makes a little wine on the side for his own label. Usually affordable and always very good, it is something to seek out.

2005 'Master Mourvedre' - "Alta Mesa Vnyd" $33.95. Nice blend of Mourvedre and Grenache, there is rich dark fruit and charcuterie in the nose. Fabulous mouthfeel and flavors, excellent long finish. 138 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2005 'Ground Around'- "Alta Mesa Vnyd" $38.95. Quite nice throughout, this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Tempranillo realy sings. Big and gripping on the palate, lots of dark flavors. 132 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: Dave Corey is still knocking out some of best Rhone blends from SBC. His Alta Mesa Vnyd source is way out on the outskirts of the SBC appellation, but word is they're applying for a Santa Barbara Highlands AVA.

2005 Syrah "Reeve's Ranch" $25.95. if the term 'feminine syrah' could be applied to anything, it would be this wine. More elegant, than big, more subtle than rich, more Kris than Bruno. It's well made, but you're not going to wax on about it for hours. 200 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: Kris Curran is the winemaker for Sea Smoke, and this is her own label. In the past, the Grenache Blanc has been a real winner.

2005 'Heritage Cuvee' Rhone Blend - SYV $15.95. This wine seemed to have all the right ingredients, just not in enough volume. Light bodied, hint of sweetness and somewhat short finish makes this a bit of a quaffer -- but it's priced accordingly. 500 cases produced. Overall score: B

2005 'The Crossroad 'Rhone Blend - SYV. $17.95. Much better in the nose and on the palate, there's some real chewy fruit here and a nice long finish. Spend the $2 more, this is the better wine. 600 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: I've not tried a lot of Curtis wines lately, but they seem to have hit some sort of plateau.

2005 Sangiovese "Stolpman"- SYV $25.95. Always dependable, eminently quaffable (and I don't mean that in a derogatory sense), and always from the best source in Santa Barbara County, this Sangiovese is a no-brainer if you're looking for an everyday wine. 1300 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: this is Bruno D'Alfonso's original label, and thus far he has the Sangiovese sales market cornered.

2006 Pinot Noir "Gatekeepers"- SRH $29.95. Dusty dark cherry nose, with spice and a hint of toast. Plenty of dark cherry fruit on the palate, excellent balance and texture, slightly soft finish. 400 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2006 Pinot Noir "Potbelly Block Jalama" - SBC $27.95. Somewhat brighter than the Gatekeepers, with lots of dark and bing cherry and juicy acids. Excellent balance, lively fruit and long finish. 200 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: the "Gatekeepers" keeps getting better, and has become a regular release for Jason Drew, based on blending the fruit from two vineyards from opposite ends of the Santa Rita Hills - Ashley's and Rio Vista.

2004 Pinot Noir "Lollapalooza" $43.95.
Nose of smoky dark fruit, lots of spice and a touch of loam. Rich and full in mouthfeel, delicious flavors and finish. 400 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: always one of the more earth-driven vineyards in the SRH, this '04 thankfully seems to have escaped the late heat patterns of the vintage.

2006 Pinot Noir "Dierberg" SMV $32.95. Nose of cherry, wild strawberry, citrus and meats. Full on the palate, with similar flavors similar to aromas and nice long finish. 350 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2006 Pinot Noir "Rio Vista" SRH $35.95. A bit darker fruit in profile, the nose seems more to the raspberry side of things, with some juicy acids and root beer spices. Excellent balance and very long finish. 450 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: Norm Yost makes these wines for his own label. If you want to really see what differences the climate makes in Pinot Noir, here is a prime example.

2005 Pinot Noir "Pommard" SRH $35.95. Lovely, with nice floral accents to the cherry fruit, and excellent balance. 250 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Pinot Noir "Clone 2A " SRH $35.95. A lot more citrusy qualities in this wine, which really seems to raise it's acid levels and balance. 250 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: Alan Phillips makes the Foley wines.

2006 Pinot Noir "Estate" - SRH $30.95. Ripe and slightly sappy dark fruit in the nose. Full and chewy on the palate, but with a nice balance throughout. 300 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: the Huber's property is located just across Hwy 246 from Clos Pepe. The wines are made by Norm Yost.

2005 Syrah "Verna's" SBC $30.95
Lots of bacony aromas to the dark fruit (as seems typical for this vineyard), excellent balance and flavors, and very nice finish. 280 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2006 Petite Sirah "Thompson" SYV $27.95
This wine isvery dark...no make that black in color. Very nice blackberry aroma, with hints of asphalt, licorice and of all things in something this impenetrable, floral notes. Nicely ripened fruit, chewy and flavorful finish. 400 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: Craig Jaffurs has made some very nice wines here - once again!

2006 Syrah "Larner and Stolpman" $27.95
Always a favorite at this tasting, somehow Jim Knight always show off a wine that is rich, ripe and ready for business. This one's forward with dark fruit, full body and long finish. 200 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Grenache "Larner" SYV $25.95
Quite ripe in the nose, as to remind me more of an '04. Good balance in mouthfeel, very good flavors, but seems a bit too sweet for my taste. 75 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 'Hapa' Rhone Blend SYV $27.95
This mostly Syrah blend has a lot going for it. With Mourvedre and Grenache in support, there are earthy and meaty notes along with a nice hit of soy. Very nice! 150 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: Mikael Sigouin has worked with Steve Beckmen and with Blair Fox at Fess Parker, two of the county's premiere Syrah producers. It shows.

2005 Syrah "Four Play " $27.95. Nose of black cherry, grilled meat, pepper and spice. Very nice flavors and mouthfeel, with anice long finish. 700 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Syrah "Purisima Mtn " $31.49. Lovely ripeness in both nose and palate, with excellent balance and tasty sweet/sour finish. 196 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: Kenneth "Joey" Gummere, and Mark Horvath have produced a lovely pair of Syrahs once again. The Blue Fin Syrah is lovely blend of vineyards.

2005 Pinot Noir "Gold Coast" SMV $39.95. Nose of black and bing cherry, with a nice touch of spice and beautiful citrus streak. Excellent on the palate, with beautiful balance and long seamless finish. 75 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2005 Syrah "Larner" SYV $39.95
This wine was still going through ML, yet the big sweet dark berry scents were pushing through. Sweet in mouthfeel (even discounting the ML), with plenty of body and chew, and a very long finish. 75 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: everybody know about Paul Lato, right? No? Well, this former sommelier is one of the best local winemakers you've never heard of. Paul seems to have an affinity for making elegantly sumptuous Pinots and fine textured Syrahs. This year seems to be no exception.

2005 Pinot Noir "Fe Ciega " - SRH. $39.95. Bit reticent in the nose right now, but underlying notes of dark cherry and a briary scent. Very good mouthfeel and flavors, with excellent structure and balance. This will be an ager. 770 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Tempranillo "Clover Creek " - SYV. $32.95. Lovely wild cherry and raspberry notes seem to coat a darker layer beneath. Rich and perfectly ripened, this is delicious from front to back. 270 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: a what...a Tempranillo? I wondered why Richard would want to do a Tempranillo...until I tasted it!

2006 'M5' SYV $22.95. Nose of ripe red and black fruit, with a touch of herb and spice. Nice and chewy on the palate, nice fruit-driven flavors, nice balance and smooth long finish. Blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Counoise, and Cinsault, and quite a bargain in Rhone blends. 1800 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Syrah "Alondra de Los Prados" $32.95. Rich and brawny in both nose and mouth, with a nice meaty quality to accent the dark fruit. 75 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2005 Syrah "Uber" $32.95. A bit softer in mouthfeel than the Alondra, this features the elegant side of Syrah. 400 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: each of these wines are excellent, with the M5 being the no-brainer buy of the bunch. Smooth, silky and ready to please, it's quite a wine for $20. The Alondra is the bigger and brawnier of the two Syrahs.

2005 Pinot Noir "Rancho Ontiveros Vnyd" - SMV. $41.95. Beautiful nose of dark cherry fruit, toasted herb and rose stem, with an obvious whole cluster fermentation scent. Incredible sense of concentration on the palate, rich and mouthfilling, with incredible long finish. 125 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: this is literally a powerhouse of a wine. You know it's big, but how can anything this big dance so well?

2005 Barbera "Zotovich Vnyd" - SRH. $20.95. A bit reticent in the nose, with underlying notes of smoked red fruit and toasted herb. Medium-full on the palate, with smoky flavors, excellent balance and finish. 200 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Barbera "Honea Vnyd" - SYV. $20.95. Captivating nose of smoky red fruit, beet root, and floral notes. Huge and chewy, with plenty of tannins, and long mouthfilling finish. 50 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: without question, Palmina is making some of the best Italian varietals anywhere.

2004 Syrah "Harrison Clark " - SYV. $59.95. This one caught my attention from the get-go. With a release price of $75, there wold need to be something very special in the bottle. Well, this is a big beautiful wine. Filled to the ceiling with black fruit compote, and carrying lots of nice little nuances of coffee, toast, and meat, this seemed more like breakfast, than a wine. That said, I'd have it for dinner, too!. 24 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: this project is a compined effort from Sashi Moorman and Peter Hunken.

2005 Roussanne "Bien Nacido " $31.95. Smooth, soft and slightly waxy mouthfeel. Delicious. 620 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Syrah "Alisos" $27.95. Big dense nose, with equally big and dense mouthfeel. The firmness here will undoubtedly give way to some beautiful wine, so don't open this thing too soon. 100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Syrah "Bien Nacido" $35.95.
Softer and smoother - almost luxurious in mouthfeel. Lovely balance and finish. 100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Syrah "Bien Nacido - X Block " $59.95.
Another $75 Syrah? Yes, but it's a Wow of a wine. Using 50% whole cluster in the vinification, they've ended up with the sum being bigger than it parts. Filled with masses of black fruit, pepper and spice, this is an uncompromising wine. 150 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: more killer Syrahs from Bob Lindquist.

2005 Syrah 'Defilade' SYV $27.95. nice if unremarkable Syrah. Claim to fame here is this is made by Chuck Carlson with fruit from Adam Firestone's small vineyard. it's a nice enough wine, but there are better horses in this race. 150 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2005 Pinot Noir "Rancho Santa Rosa" SRH $35.95. Lovely nose of rich cherry and spice. Full and rich on the palate, with hints cherry, strawberry and light toast. Excellent balance and finish. 50 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2005 "Anacapa" $28.95. 76% Cab Franc, 12% Merlot and 12% Cab Sauv. Beautiful nose of herb-laced cassis, with a light touch of toast. Full mouthfeel, delicious fruit, excellent balance, chewy long finish. 420 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: this '05 Anacapa is a gorgeous Cab Franc-based blend, with an elegant Bordeaux-like quality.

2006 Pinot Noir "Turner Ranch " - SRH $37.95. Bright and slightly hi-toned dark cherry, with a loamy and citrus touch. Lovely and silky mouthfeel, excellent balance and flavors. 75 cases produced. Overall score: A-

2005 Syrah "Melville Vnyd" SRH $33.95. Nose of blackberry, pepper, and fascinating floral aromas. Chewy in mouthfeel, with plenty of black fruit, very good balance, and long smooth finish. 100 cases produced. Overall score: A-

Comments: Chad Melville has a couple of beauties here.

2005 Syrah "Optimist" - SBC . $49.95. Nose is loaded with that espresso/roasted coffee scent from the cooperage, but the dark fruit is lovely too. A little odd on the palate - seems a disjointed at present. 275 cases produced. Overall score: B

Comments: a new effort from local winemaker Matthias Pippig. Seems a bit pricey.

2005 Pinot Noir "Botella" - SRH . $35.95. I suppose this could be considered the "entry level" of the Sea Smooke line. Very nice in nose and mouth, with just a faint wisp of oak. Well balanced and nice finish. Overall score: B+

2005 Pinot Noir "Southing" - SRH . $48.95. The middle level of Sea Smoke's lineup and definitely bigger and a step up in structure and overall complexity. Nice effort. Overall score: B+

2005 Pinot Noir "Ten" - SRH . $67.95. The oak is more noticable in this wine, but it too should integrate well - given sufficient time. Overall score: B+

Comments: another good year for Sea Smoke.

2006 Syrah "Terra Alta - Clone 99" - SYV $29.95. Big, ripe and sweet, the nose seems to puch 'late harvest' levels. Tasty, to be sure, but you'll never mistake it for a Northern Rhone. 300 cases produced. Overall score: B

2006 Syrah "Colson Cyn" SMV $29.95. Ripe, but not nearly as sweet as the Terra Alta, with nice balance and long clean finish. 1200 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: not sure if this is a trend in Tensley wines, but these were both decidely sweeter than I recall from previous vintages.

2005 Pinot Noir "Solomon Hills Vnyd" - SMV. $37.95. Nice cherry-driven fruit, with touches of strawberry, spice and cola. Very nice balance and flavors, with nice long finish. 125 cases produced. Overall score: B+

2006 Syrah "White Hawk Vnyd" - SBC. $37.95. Fascinating smoked wood aroma, along with a few meaty scents to accent the black fruit. A bit firm in moutfeel, the wine softens a bit on the long finish. 100 cases produced. Overall score: B+

Comments: Michael Meagher (previously w/Ojai) is the man behind the label, and this effort is very nice.

Unable to taste and review:

BECKMEN : pouring 4 wines
BRANDER : pouring 2 wines
CARINA : pouring 2 wines
CLENDENEN : pouring 3 wines
COLD HEAVEN : pouring 1 wine
DARA : pouring 2 wines
DIERBERG: pouring 1 wine
DOM. DES DEUX MONDES: pouring 1 wine
FOXEN: pouring 4 wines
HAPPY CANYON : pouring 2 wines
HITCHING POST: pouring 4 wines
KUNIN: pouring 3 wines
ETHAN LINDQUIST : pouring 1 wine
SUMMERLAND : pouring 2 wines
VERDAD : pouring 2 wines
WINE CASK : pouring 2 wines