Colombard is a white wine grape that is known as the French Colombard in North America. Some believe that it is a clone of the Gouasis Blanc and the Chenin Blanc. This early fruiting white wine grape was traditionally grown in the Gascony and Charente’s regions of France and is still among one of the few white wine grape varieties that is permitted in Bordeaux wine. Old Colombard vine grapes are crushed into a fruit white wine by some northern California vineyards producing a white wine with character in sweet and dry versions. Colombard is mostly grown in California in order to provide backbone because of its natural high acidic character for white wine jug blends. Because of its naturally high acid content, Colombard is a good choice for blended white wines. The Colombard white wine grape was the most popular vine grown in California until the early 1990s, as it was often the base for jug wines that were produced for the masses. If Colombard is treated properly, it can produce crisp white wines with a pleasant minerality and a citrus fruity aroma and flavor. In South Africa Colombards is known as Columbar, and to a somewhat lesser extent in Australia.
Beauvignac Moelleux Picpoul is made from 60% Colombard and 40% Picpoul de Pinet.
There is some sweetness, all natural, coming from the ripeness and the natural sugar of the grapes as the fermentation was stopped before all the sugar was transformed into alcohol during alcoholic fermentation.
Hahn Family Wines Lucienne Doctor's Vineyard Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Located in the middle stretch of the Santa Lucia Highlands, the 243-acre Doctor’s Vineyard experiences warmer temperatures and higher winds than Hahn’s other estate vineyards in the region. Certified sustainable, the vineyard ranges from 320 feet to 720 feet above sea level, with gently sloped hillsides and wide row spacing that offers greater sun exposure. The dry and slightly warmer climate here results in a riper more robust Pinot Noir, with expressive aromas of red cherry, plum and orange zest along with hints of sage, clove and white pepper. The wine has great mid-palate structure, smooth soft tannins, flavors of red cherry, bramble berries and a touch of warm spice on a refreshing lingering finish.
Review:
Strong smoke aromas surround the black-cherry, loamy soil, crushed granite and iodine elements on the nose of this bottling. Mesquite- and oak-smoked fruit and meat flavors show powerfully on the sip, which is quite savory.
-Wine Enthusiast 91 Points
Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Deep garnet in color with an aromatic medley of black cherry, marionberry, ripe plum and a hint of anise. Dark fruit on the palate with flavors of wild berries, caramelized oak and cacao nibs complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, cedar and a hint of lavender and forest floor. Rich and unrestrained, this wine’s abundant fruit is beautifully balanced by firm acidity and layers of red and black fruit.
Review:
This is an extremely ripe and bold style of Pinot Noir, showing kirsch, cola, root beer and anise on the nose. The powerful extraction extends to the sip as well, where black cherry, pie crust and vanilla bean flavors sit atop a thick mouthfeel, with a touch of prune on the finish.
-Wine Enthusiast 90 Points