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What We Say 2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
SUPER QPR ALERT:
At 50% off, today’s wine represents an extraordinary value, easily earning it this QPR (Quality to Price Ratio) Alert. We issue these alerts, whenever a wine drinks above its price class.
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Mission Codename: Saint Pablo
Operative: Agent Red
Objective: Send Agent Red to Gazzi Vineyards to investigate reports reports of their delicious estate-grown Pinot Noir – and secure an ample allotment for our premium Pinot-loving Operatives.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Gazzi Vineyards
Wine Subject: 2008 Estate Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Winemaker: Scott Harvey
Backgrounder:
Today’s fantastic Pinot Noir was made by long-time Wine Spies friend, Scott Harvey. Scott’s wines are well-loved by our Operatives in the fiend, and right here at Wine Spies HQ.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is the 750 square mile area with the Pacific ocean on its western boundary, the San Pablo Bay to the south and Mendocino County to the north, headed inland to the other designated AVAs in Sonoma County. The region is heavily influenced by the cooler ocean climate, increased rainfall and fog that lingers long on the coastal mountains. The specific climate suits the demanding Burgundian varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay very well.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Dark ruby hues, with even coloration, from core to edge. At the very edge, where wine meets glass, a fine ring of bright pink encircles the wine. After swirling, long, skinny tears fall slowly from high up on the glass.
Smell – Sweet cherry candy, strawberry, blueberry and soft violets. As the wine opens, it also reveals cherry cola, soft brown spice, black cherry and a hint of sweet cedar.
Feel – Soft and light-weight at first. Then, the wine hovers across the mid-palate, where it takes on a soft weightiness. Supple tannins add complexity, driving a soft dryness from the center of the tongue, to the edges of the mouth.
Taste – Delicious and flavorful, with Bing cherry, strawberry, blueberry and soft, sweet cedar. These are perfectly balanced against, dried violets, earthy black cherry, black tea leaf and a hint of dark leather.
Finish – Long and sweet, with flavors that evolve and change before they slowly fade. Red fruit gradually gives way to earthy flavors and soft spice. At the tail end, minerals and soft, sweet spice linger on.
Conclusion – Today’s Pinot Noir really took our tasting panel by surprise! This delicious wine drinks well above its price class, delivering an aromatic, flavorful and balanced drinking experience that we really enjoyed. Winemaker, Scott Harvey, is well-known to our Operatives, and when we learned that he was the creative power behind today’s wine, we jumped at the chance to sample it. Obviously, we loved it enough to bring it to you, today. Note that we got our hands on the final cases of this wine, so please be sure to consider today’s offering carefully; We don’t want you to miss out on this food-friendly, approachable, delicious, Super QPR wine.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the Gazzi Estate Vineyard can be seen in this satellite photo.
What the Winery Says
Gazzi Estate Vineyards
About This Wine:
Medium cherry red color with rich cherry flavors/cherry pie, red fruits, tobacco, all spice, beets, cranberry and strawberry. Try this food friendly Pinot Noir with any grilled meat or chicken, or pair with pizza, pasta and burgers! Riper than the 2007, little softer and a touch more tannin on the finish.
Vineyard/Vintage Notes: The grapes used in the production of this delightful wine were grown at Gazzi Estate Vineyards on sunny slopes overlooking San Francisco Bay. The site is located at the intersection of State Highways 37 and 121 where cool ocean breezes combine with calcareous gravely soils to nurture the creation of elegant Pinot Noir wines. The grapes were fermented to dryness followed by malo-lactic fermentation, then aged another year in French oak barrels prior to bottling.
From our family to yours – Salud!
About The Winery:
Gazzi Estate Vineyards (by Scott Harvey) are made of the best varietals from the terroir of Amador County, California. These worldly wines include an Old Vine Zinfandel, a Syrah (Rhone), a Barbera (Italian) and a Port (Portuguese). Scott’s roots are in Amador County which has allowed him to develop considerable expertise with these varietals.
History:
Growing up in California’s Sierra Mountains Region, Scott developed a keen interest in winemaking as a high school exchange student in the Rhineland Pfalz region of Germany. Scott attended California State University at Sacramento before beginning practical Enology training at Montevina Winery in Amador County. Back to Germany in 1975, he apprenticed at K. Fitz-Ritter Winery while attending the Weinbau Schule in Neustadt. Once again returning to Montevina Winery, Scott focused on all aspects of winemaking and running a winery. From farming the grapes to effectively marketing the wine, Scott solidified his knowledge and experience. In 1978, at the age of twenty-three, Scott took over as Head Winemaker for Story Winery, also in Amador County.
In 1979 Scott developed an ambitious winery plan for the Santino family. As Winemaker and General Manager of Santino Winery, Scott is credited with placing Amador County firmly on the California wine map. Crafting the best wines possible from the soils and climatic conditions of the region, Santino and later Renwood benefited from Scott’s German training and innovative style. Becoming one of the leading wineries in Amador County, and garnering critical acclaim, the wine world was paying attention. Amador County was now recognized as a world-class wine-growing appellation.
In 1996, Scott was recruited as Partner, Winemaker & President for newly purchased, Folie a Deux Winery in Napa Valley. Combining forces with Lead Partner, renowned Winemaker, Richard Peterson, Ph.D, a formidable winemaking team was launched. Scott pursued his commitment to award-winning Cabernets made from the Estate Vineyards in Napa Valley while continuing his passion for Amador County Zinfandel. Access to Scott’s original Grandpère vineyard in Amador County and close relationships with premier Amador County growers, resulted in award-winning wines all around for Folie a Deux. In addition, Scott’s creation, the “Menage a Trois” line of wines, was an instant commercial success. In 2004, Folie a Deux, now a respected brand, was sold to Sutter Home/Trinchero Winery. Scott was finally positioned and ready to start his own venture, and he had the ideal partner – his wife, Jana, a wine industry veteran.
Scott Harvey Wines, the initial line of wines in the “Creative Wine Concepts” portfolio, was created out of market demand for Scott’s wines – “niche wines that over deliver.” The Scott Harvey line focuses on Scott’s roots – Zinfandel, Syrah and Barbera from the Sierra’s. Approachable, food friendly and full of luscious fruit, these wines have struck a cord in the marketplace. Scott has hit his stride with his new mantra – “Scott Harvey Wines, it’s time!” Stay tuned – this is just the beginning!
Technical Analysis:
Vineyard Sources: 100% Gazzi Vineyard
Blend: 86% Pinot Noir, 14% Syrah
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.55
RS: Dry <.2%
Bottled: 6/3/2010
Cooperage: 18 months in French Oak
Cases Produced: 447 cases 12/750ml
