So aside from the great Masut which I told you about yesterday, here were a bunch of other wines I liked from Mendocino. Some were sampled in NY, but most were tasted right in Mendo when I was there.
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Drew Pinot Noir, all 2012
I had three of their Pinot Noirs from three different vineyards, and really liked them all. The Balo from Anderson Valley was fresh black cherry and black mineral super balanced with tons of acid. If I had to pick a favorite out of the trio, this would be it. That said, the one from Gatekeepers from Mendocino Ridge had less acid and was more sour cherry and red cherry with a small hint of brown dirt. And the Morning Dew Ranch, another from Anderson Valley, had more mellowed fruit but still some fleshy black cherry and a hint of pine. It’s mostly available via their mailing list, but you can find a few at retail here for $40-60.
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Handley Pinot Gris 2013
Pinot Gris – mmmmm. So good for the summer – lush yellow apple goodness. $20 here
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Bink Syrah 2006
Love roasted meat in a wine, and their Hawkes Butte Vineyard Syrah totally has that. Lots of blackberry balanced with a touch of tartness. BTW, Bink is short for “black ink” which is what people call the Syrah juice. $25 here
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True Grit Petite Sirah 2010
This one definitely has grit to it: medium-high tannins but velvety blackberry and milk chocolate flavors keep it in check. $29 here
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Meyer Syrah 2009
Light to medium body with chewy black cherry and tarragon on the end. Very smooth and silky tannins, really liked it. $28 here.
McFadden Cuvee Brut
Mendocino is known for its sparkling wine from Anderson Valley – mostly Roederer and Scharffenberger – but McFadden is also good and way less known. They do the usual mix of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and make it in the traditional method. Lots of mousse, but good balance of yeast and nice mellow apple fruit. They also have a reserve which was lovely too. Both are here for $25 and $40.
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Campovida Grenache 2012
Light but spicy! Hot cinnamon and baking spices with black cherry and some tart cranberry. This is from Dark Horse Ranch, which Paul Dolan gave us a tour of. It’s farmed biodynamically so they carry out all of those practices, burying special elements into the soil on specific days of the year and creating all these crazy-looking plants on the land. Unfortunately, you have to visit them in Hopland to try it or buy it.
the awesome Paul Dolan giving us a tour
seriously, what IS this plant??
Avenging Angel 2012
Avenging Angel Pinot Noir was made in honor of people the two owners both lost. The grapes are 50% from Angel Camp Vineyard and 50% from Balo Vineyard. (Balo’s winemaker is Jason Drew, who also makes the Drew Pinot – see above). They only make about 100 cases, so grab it if you can ($55 here).
Atrea Skid Rosé 2013
Atrea is the “quirky blend” label from Saracina. Their rosé is mostly Malbec but with 14% Grenache. Lots of strawberry and a good measure of body and tannin. The Malbec comes from their Skid Row vineyard, and I love the play on the name for the rosé! $20 here
grapefriend 
Hi Grapefriend,
When I click on the link to your post, WP says it cannot be found. My wife and I toured in Mendocino and the Anderson Valley several years ago. Enjoyed Golden Eye, Pacific Star, and many others, including Anderson Valley Brewing.
Best,
Stu
Stuart Selip
M: 631-697-5713
O: 631-329-3380
Thanks, should be working now! Goldeneye is good, haven’t had that other but will look out for it. Cheers!
The McFadden Brut is this year’s California State Fair Wine Competition Best of a Show Sparkling winner, and the recipient of three consecutive Double Gold or better awards at the three competitions it was entered into. 97 points, 98 points, best in California, and $25. You definitely found Mendocino County’s best wine and, outside of local wine cognoscenti, Mendocino County’s best kept secret.
Lots of good sparking there, always glad to find good new ones!
Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner and commented:
I hope the pics turn out so someone can identify the one plant.
The plant is a Verbascum thapsus, or common mullein. It grows everywhere in the county
Wow, impressive knowledge!