The staff at Chateau Chantal was treated to a tasting led by winemakers Brian Hosmer and Mark Johnson earlier this week in our newly expanded cellar. On tap were the wines from the 2010 vintage. It’s amazing to see the progression of a wine- harvested this past October, most of the wines were still going through their “growing pains,” but you could certainly grasp what the end wine will taste like.
We started with some white wines. The 2010 Pinot Blanc is looking to be spectacular, as well as the 2010 Dry Reserve Riesling. This reserve is from our original 1986 vineyard and is promising to be excellent. We also tried what will be the 2010 Semi-Dry Riesling – lots of bright grapefruit in this vintage! In the barrel room we tasted the Reserve Pinot Gris – a rich and luscious mouthfeel here making you want a full glass. The Proprietor’s Reserve Chardonnay is showing excellently with ripe pear, tropical fruits, and just enough oak to provide added richness and nuttiness – absolutely delicious!
We then tasted some reds – starting with three different vineyard’s Pinot Noir. The Pontes, Hawthorne, and our own Estate vineyard. It’s amazing to see the differences that site location, as well as vine clone, can make within the same vintage. Each of these vineyards are located within 5 miles of each other, yet produce different styles of Pinot Noir. The Pontes was more delicate with greater finesse, while the other two were more tannic and spicy. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cerise Noir were all well on their way to becoming great wines.
Look for the 2010 vintage whites to be released this Spring!
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- Winemaker Brian Hosmer with Cold Stabilization Tank
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- Pinot Grigio Tank Sample
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- Pinot Grigio from the 92 Vineyard with Type of Yeast Listed
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- Amongst the Tanks
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- Brian & Brian at the Pinot Gris Barrel
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- Samples of Barrel Aged Pinot Noir
