CWD: '06 Havens Albario

D

drssouth

Stephen South
2006 Havens Albario, Napa Valley Carneros, alc 12.5%...the nose is grassy with a hint of fruit....the palate is bright and lively and the wine seems to hover just above my tongue....the minerality builds over time and adds considerably to the weight....quite pleasing...

I'm usually skeptical when a US producer decides to make a wine "inspired by the wines of Galicia and Portugal" but I would say that this was a successful effort to do just that....
 
Steve,
Morgan Peterson and Michael Havens collaborate on an Albarino now from that same vineyard (its is released through Bedrock wines but has a different label name). That vineyard is one of the few outcroppings of limestone in the Napa Valley and their techniques are true to the standard set in Galicia.
And its really, really good.
Best, Jim
 
I bought a bottle of Michael's first Albarino and it only took about a year for the enamel to build back up on my teeth after tasting it. It was kind of shrill in its youth. Good to read that he's figured it out and that the reality of the wine ably reflects its intent (and inspiration). I think the variety works well in California (witness the rendition produced by Verdad) and I believe that Mr. Havens was the first person to produce an Albarino on a commercial basis.

-Eden (I first met Michael Havens back when he was making wine at his place on the Venice canals)
 
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