Here I am overlooking the sensational Alexander Valley from the even more striking (pardon the pun) tasting room of Stryker Sonoma. today, in fact right now, Gary Vanychuk is tweet tasting the Stryker Sonoma Cabs…and here I go, with my friend Pam.
2005 Speedy Creek Vineyard – Knights Valley – 100% CS high altitude 1900 ft. vineyard. Let’s get to nose..luscious dark cherry on the nose, with some earthy overtones..cedar, more dark cherry on the palate, slight tannin,so quite soft mouthfeel. Elegant. 308 cs. $38/btl
2005 Rockpile Vineyard – Rockpile AVA – 2000 ft elevation – nice hot days, closer to Pacific, grapes maintain acidity level. Lighter dark cherry nose, hint of chocolate and more of that earthiness. Palate blasts open with dark cherry, soft tannin, medium finish. 438 cs $44/btl.
2005 Two Moon Vineyard – Dry Creek Valley – eastern terraced facing..one of the last in Dry Creek. slight dark fruit jam. Palate expresses dark cheery & sweet spice, and some lively tannins…so, lay this charming gentleman down. 278 cs. $45/btl
2005 Cab “3″ – Sonoma County – blend of fruit from the above 3 vineyards. Always less than 100 cs. Nose expresses livelier dark cherry…sort of dancing in the glass and not as single-minded (not that single-minded is a bad thing…having been accused of that myself). Palate maintains that pure, clean dark cherry, with hints of the earthiness and cedar…and just enough tannin to say….OK, drink me now, and lay down 12 more of me! 96 cs. $50/btl
2005 “Estate” Alexander Valley - Clone 6 & Clone 15…make a note of that. Ahh…the big daddy. Nose rich with more black cherry – you can smell the deeper intensity – palate is silky with intense fruit, spice, slight tannin….and long finish…cedar finishing.
Generally 25-40% new French Oak for 22-24 months in heavy toasted oak…this is a winemaker that understands the balance of oak aging. Maintaining almost a majority of the wine in stainless steel keeps the integrity of the fruit (and isn’t that what it’s all about?) and the oak provides structure and aging potential.
2003 Monte Rosso Vineyard – Sonoma Valley -145 year old vineyard….respect age! Fruit basket on the nose….clearly a departure from the other SS Cabs…I love variety! Ahh…more lively fruit, cassis, sweet spice…lighter body….almost bubblegum finish! 700 cs. $48/btl
Whoa…here is a bottle presented to us from another taster…assistant winemaker at Old World Winery, Steven Washuta…92% CS & 8% Syrah..cold fermented…2004 Red Rock Red Wine…nose is settling to express some blackberry…palate is fresh with some slight tannin. $28/btl
Tim Hardin, winemaker, loves his single varietal Cabs…they speak purely of the grapes and the exceptional vineyards. Come and taste for yourself! Beautiful view, knowledgeable staff & beautiful wines!
Stryker Sonoma - 5110 Hwy 128 Geyserville, CA 800.433.1944
More to come on my Veraison….Time of Change.
Cheers,
Anita
