By: AJ McClellan
Nicole Abiouness is always a good time when she comes into Graileys to try us on her new wines. We started the night with her wonderful Rose and finished with a Sangiovese that was quite impressive for a new world example.
2010 Abiouness Rose – A richer, more powerful style of Rose. Typically I enjoy a lighter style of Rose but Nicole’s 100% Pinot Noir rose was drinking exceptionally well. Ripe strawberries on the nose with light floral notes on the palate and a hint of passion fruit on the finish.
2007 Abiouness Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir – A very nice everyday drinking Pinot Noir. The wine showing elegant red cherries on the nose and palate with subtle spice and a touch of pleasant minerality.
2007 Abiouness Hudson Vineyard Pinot Noir – A slight step up from the Stanly Ranch. The nose was more perfumed and moving to a darker berry. The palate was vibrant with nice acidity and a spicebox finish.
2007 Abiouness Pommard Clone Pinot Noir – This was my favorite of the tasting. The nose was vibrant with cherry cola, nutmeg, lavender, and a hint of plum. The palate was drinking very well with soft tannins and a lively acidity.
2007 Abiouness Silacci Pinot Noir – Another great bottle from Abiouness. This one was trying to show as well as the Pommard Clone but I think it just needs another year in the bottle. The Silacci was darker and slightly more powerful than the other wines and thus I think it just needs a little more time to come to fruition.
2007 Abiouness Sangiovese Eaglepoint Ranch – Sangiovese is a one of my favorite grape varietals but it can be difficult to grow outside of Tuscany. I have been tasted on more than a few Sangiovese based wines out of California but I must say that Nicole’s is by far the best. The nose kept all of the classic dusty cherry notes of a great Italian Sangiovese as well as some of the earthiness and classic spices that I love from the grape varietal. The palate was a little light but full of flavor with a excellent finish.