Reviewing Noble Vines

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.

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