More West Coast wines to sample plus an update on fire effects

Although I am as anxious as most concerning the election results, I’m writing this column on Tuesday in order to avoid deadline pressure on our lovely editorial staff, who are so helpful in clarifying literary faux pas in my column. I saw the best campaign sign today: “Whoever wins, stay calm. We are not enemies but friends.” I’m hoping the election results are final by Friday and all of us can put aside our bickering, and in some cases outright anger, and abide by the decision of the electorate. Maybe we could get back on the “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” track that propelled us so well in the days when “burying the hatchet” didn’t result in grievous injuries to your opponent. I drove around today to view the polling places at both 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Turnout appeared spectacular and looked like it far surpassed even the first Obama election. Thanks to all the poll cats and kittens who work so hard to allow/help us to vote. Congratulations and thanks to all who ran and props to those who win.

Sampled a Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2018. This particular label from GF has consistently rated 90 points and come in at $30-$34 since I started following it in 2012 when Theresa Heredia became chief winemaker. The winery buys grapes from Bacigalupi, Rochioli, Olivet Lane and Allen vineyards, and blends them before crushing. The wine is fermented and left sur lie on French oak, 30 percent new, for nine months. Recent news from Heredia said GF winery located on Westside Road, one of the primary evacuation routes during the LNU Lightning Complex fires recently, did not prevent her and staff from keeping close watch on this year’s fermentation. Those who are interested in an overview on the fires, written in Wine Spectator Aug. 24, may go to www.winespectator.com/articles/napa-and-sonoma-wildfires-threaten-2020-harvest. The GF RR Selection 2018 rated 91 McD points around $31. I had the 2017 at 90 points, available around $27, and the 2016 around $30 at 92 points. 

There’s a big push in the media for Lingua Franca Estate Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills Oregon 2018. It’s riding on the back of the rave reviews for the 2017. Buy the 2017 under $50, 92 McD points; it shows creamy lemon custard, grapefruit zest, jasmine and vanilla. Spending five months on lees provides round mouthfeel. Bright acidity, finishes cleanly. It is at perfection now. Try some with wild salmon, not farm raised, and a dill mayonnaise.

Trinchero’s award-winning Mario’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena gets 91 McD points. Don’t panic; there is plenty of the 2014 around. I’ve seen cases on sale around $600 and bottles around $50. I’ve also seen bottles on sale in Texas around $40, so your local wine pal should be able to round some up for you and still make a fair profit. The most recent release is the 2015. The 2014 has a lovely bouquet. Black cherry, vanilla, leather, dried herbs and tobacco continue through on the palate plus some oaken spice notes. Well-balanced acid/tannin frame is softened somewhat by a judicious addition of Merlot. The 2015 shows raspberry, cherry and pomegranate nose with more red fruit on the palate and barrel-driven subset of caramel, vanilla and warm bread; 90 McD. They also offer a North Coast BRV labeled Cab in the $80 range. A nice bottle for sure, but I’m recommending Mario’s better QPR. 

Let’s finish up with a fairly priced Anderson Valley Mendocino Pinot Noir – Domaine Anderson Estate PN has consistently rated 88-90 McD for the past six years. I review each new release because of its consistent quality and fair price. The 2017 came in around $45, 89 McD. Look for ruby color with garnet cast, a complex bouquet of black cherry, plum and blackberry hint. On the palate, black cherry and plum repeat with added cranberry and damp earth. All ride a soft-tannin, medium palate with appropriate acidity providing a medium-long, clean finish.