If your local wine shop hosts winemaker tastings I would recommend you sign up. Most of the wine tastings are pretty inexpensive and it gives you an opportunity to try a wine before you buy it. One of our local wine shops hosted a wine tasting with co-owner and winemaker Jill Klein Matthiasson.
The tasting was to start at 4 pm. The wine rep and Jill came about 20 minutes late. No big deal since we had purchased a glass of wine and was socializing with friends. The tasting covered many reds and whites that they produce.
So here was the lineup:
Whites – 2014 Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay, 2013 Michael Mara Vineyard Chardonnay, 2013 White wine, 2013 Ribolla Gialla. They produce a small lot of Ribolla Gialla. It was an interesting white. Smelling the wine, I noted dill pickle potato chips, nutty with some minerality.
Reds – 2013 Refosci, The Refosci was an interesting grape It was like an Italian-style red wine. Nonvintage Schioppetino. They had such a small harvest in 2013 that it was blended with 2014. 2012 Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Merlot and a 2011 Red Blend.
I liked all of the wines. However, the Ribolla Gialla was not a favorite…
Sight
Pale color depth with an amber hue.
Smell
Aromatic, young-fruity with aromas of butter, apple, melon.
Taste
Dry, medium-bodied, balanced acidity. Soft tannins with a crisp mid-pallet mouth feel with a long savory finish.
ABV: 12.9% (They like to harvest early. This produces lower alcohol wines)
How much: $55.00 retail
Region/Appellation: California/ Sonoma Coast
The wine is 100% Chardonnay, clone 4.
I rated the 2013 Matthiasson Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Michael Mara Vineyard four glasses. Serve the chardonnay slightly chilled. I think the wine expresses itself more.
Life is too short to drink crappy wine. Expand your palate and keep trying.
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