...one pseudo-schnook recently used the occasion in late December 2011 of delivering my cut of the Rogue River Blue wheel he talked a few of us into buying to partake in scientific exploration of the most of the line from a new producer we'd heard good things about.
2010 Cowan Cellars Isa, Lake County As recommended by the winemaker, the Isa was decanted. Very interesting nose that revealed more with more time in the decanter, this was a fascinating wine with great intensity and a palate that evolved with air time. A favorite of my college daughter who was home for a visit as well as the semi-schnook, we drained the bottle that night, foiling my plan to see what the next day held. And yes, it went brilliantly even with marinated flank steak though pre-dinner cheese was an excellent foil. Honestly, I don't get some "orange" wines but this wine really caught my attention.
2010 Cowan Cellars Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast The winemaker recommends the "weightless nature" and "feminine delivery" of this wine and he is on target with that description. Personally, we enjoyed this wine more than its more masculine counterpart as it was more in both our wheelhouses. It is focused and fresh now and likely will improve with some age. Still drinking well the next day.
2010 Cowan Cellars Pinot Noir, Bennett Valley Much darker in color than the Sonoma Coast, this one had a profile more like what I expect from most California pinots. No, not the California cherry cola but the "serious" wine with lots of stuffing. I think it would have benefitted from a decant or additional aging we did not give it - it has promise (and was more approachable the next day as well).
I have to say the pseudo-schnook and I were mighty impressed by these. Well done indeed.
Oh, and run out and get yourself some Rogue River Blue - this stuff was the best cheese I had all year.
2010 Cowan Cellars Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast The winemaker recommends the "weightless nature" and "feminine delivery" of this wine and he is on target with that description. Personally, we enjoyed this wine more than its more masculine counterpart as it was more in both our wheelhouses. It is focused and fresh now and likely will improve with some age. Still drinking well the next day.
2010 Cowan Cellars Pinot Noir, Bennett Valley Much darker in color than the Sonoma Coast, this one had a profile more like what I expect from most California pinots. No, not the California cherry cola but the "serious" wine with lots of stuffing. I think it would have benefitted from a decant or additional aging we did not give it - it has promise (and was more approachable the next day as well).
I have to say the pseudo-schnook and I were mighty impressed by these. Well done indeed.
Oh, and run out and get yourself some Rogue River Blue - this stuff was the best cheese I had all year.
