We were all geared up for what we thought would be a busy day here at Graileys but it turned out to be a chilled one. When it’s dreary out and the patio restaurants in Dallas are virtual ghost towns , we’re typically bustling with our members content in sitting out the gloom in the company of fine wines and finer people.
We did have a nice visit from Kelly Peterson from Switchback Ridge who came in armed with her 2010 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. We just saw Kelly on our Napa trip two weeks ago but it was nice to revisit her wines. These three wines were showing well when we tasted them while out in the vineyards in the case of Merlot and while having lunch at Calistoga Ranch in the case of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. I have really been enjoying the 2010s for the most part; there’s an aromatic purity, freshness and suppleness to them them that make them a real pleasure to drink now. The 2010 Switchback Petite Sirah is remarkable in its approachability. I would never have thought I will use that descriptor for a Switchback Petite Sirah, but it has surprisingly smoother tannins. There’s a nice meaty component to its bold, wild raspberry and blueberry flavor profile.
We just got a delivery of a handful of cases of 2010 Burgundy and Simon was in the mood to open a young red Burgundy. He started scanning the shelves and in under 15 seconds, I was handed a glass of 2010 Emmanuel Rouget Vosne-Romanee. The wine showed high-toned, youthful aromatics reminiscent of red currant and wild berries. On the palate it was medium-bodied, silky with a beautiful thread of acidity. There was a subtle hint of oak on the palate that was just enough to round the texture. But, that vibrant acidity really pushed through the long finish.
And with that, we called it a day.