By
Joy Neighbors
The
vinos of Noble Vines come from family-owned vineyards in Lodi and the San Bernabe
Vineyard in Monterey, California. Sustainable farming practices are adhered to
for each vineyard, and a talented team stands behind the brand.
Nobel
Vines offers six wines including Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a red
blend. The Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot are reviewed here.
242
Sauvignon Blanc
Noble
Vines Sauvignon Blanc is named for block 242 of the San Bernabe AVA vineyard
in Monterey, California. The grapes are harvested and pressed before the juice
is transferred into stainless steel tanks. Special yeasts are then added to enhance
the aromas and flavors of the wine.
The
2014 242 Sauvignon Blanc has great balance and acidity. The aromas of light honeysuckle
and citrus lead you to the mellow flavors of melon and green apple. The
finish has a slight minerality. Drink now, cellaring is not advised. (Pairs well with fish.)
181
Merlot
"Moderate summer weather and warm temperatures
just before harvest allow the grapes to ripen gently,
delivering outstanding fruit. The juice is fermented at moderately
cool temperatures to balance the acidity with big fruit flavors."
I love a good, classic Merlot and the 2013 181 is exceptional. The aroma of
black cherries and warm spices captures you at the start and leads to a robust,
tannic wine that is well balanced. The flavor of lush red berries and cherries
slide across the tongue followed by a hint of cedar and tobacco. My only
disappointment was in the finish – it didn’t linger nearly as long as I would
have liked. Cellar at least one more year. (Pairs well with venison and
mushrooms.)
The Team
 |
| Winemaker James Ewart |
Winemaker
James Ewart was the son of an Australian winemaker. He
is only a handful of winemakers to receive a graduate diploma in grape growing
from the University of Adelaide in 1999. Ewart's experience includes Mountadam
Winery and his family’s estate in the Adelaide Hills. A brief stint at Noble
Vines in 2000 turned into a career thanks to his vineyard-based philosophy.
 |
| Viticulturist Charlie Hossom |
Viticulturist
Charlie Hossom joined Noble Vines in 2012. Hossom is developing groundbreaking
water saving technology for sustainable farming. Prior to Noble Vines, he
managed vineyards for Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Ste. Michelle Estates and the
Inglenook vineyards.
Have
a wine you’d like me to try? Contact me here. I’m always looking for a new
favorite to share.
