20 years into my winemaking career, I am finally realizing this boyhood fantasy with the inaugural release of our new white blend, simply named…UNPLUGGED. Though I still cannot play a lick of guitar, I learned that I can compose with flavors. Think of this blend as un-amplified duo of acoustic guitars, each played by a legendary icon. Of course each variety (I mean guitarist) stands out a bit, but there is also a tremendous harmony here. The lead-solo is the Chenin Blanc…smooth and haunting…backed up by Sauvignon Blanc…bracing and racy, trying to steal the show…The result is an un-oaked, crisp, fresh, and dry harmony. We have cut the cords, so just the pure varietal and vineyard driven flavors shine through.
SUMMARYPRICE DETAILS 2013 This is E11even Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Estate Grown Yes, the name of this wine is inspired by the movie This is Spinal Tap... The wine hails from a long-term leased vineyard that I planted back in 2009 to 5 different clones of Pinot Noir... 2A, 114, 115, 667, and 777. It is a reclaimed, hilly, gravel pit, at the southern edge of the Santa Maria Valley appellation. The wine is rich, delicious, and very drinkable and incredibly adordable for an Estate Grown Pinot Noir. We think it goes to 11! 1,111 cases produced This is E11even Wines: With these wines, I am blending my 22 years of winemaking experience with a fun, irreverent Rock n’ Roll ethic. Expect exciting & category defying blends and a very serious solo act. These are serious wines...the only thing missing is the attitude. No fuss, no pinky finger raised high, no pomp, no posers, no worrying about choosing just the right glass. This is not a tribute band only replaying someone else’s tired tunes. No, this is the new original, informed and inspired by passion and experience. Our current set list includes a full-tilt Cabernet based blend, Big Bottom, a lighter-raised-high acoustic white blend, Unplugged, and a tight-leather-pants smooth Pinot Noir. But, are the wines any good, you might ask? We know that you will think that they are immensely delicious and drinkable wines. We know that you will agree that they are one better than a ten...an E11even. Yes, these wines do go to 11!
For sheer deliciousness, it’s hard to beat this Syrah. It shows intensely concentrated blackberry, cherry and liqueur flavors, with rich, smoky oak complexities, and the mouthfeel is pure velvet. For all the richness, the wine finishes dry and elegant. Compellingly good, and a worthy alternative to a great Napa Valley Cabernet.
The 2012 vintage of the Tous les Jours Syrah is remarkably dark and full-bodied, and yet it has such gentle tannins. It is truly a pleasure to drink, especially at the price. Lots of fruit and spices here...no need to wax poetic about this one as it tastes just plain yummy.