Very strong, fruit-forward aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, baking spice and toasty oak show on the nose of this bottling by Sabrine Rodems from a vineyard near Mount Madonna. The palate combines rich fruit, wood spice and a butterscotch finish with chalky tannins and strong acidity, a combination that will please many palates. MATT KETTMANN
This wine features a label design by artist Eddie Colla. It shows strong aromas of pear, pineapple and tropical fruit on the nose. The palate displays flavors of lime, lemongrass and green apple, enveloped in an aggressive mousse. MATT KETTMANN
Exotic aromas of cranberry, Luxardo cherry, star anise and white sage are fairly rich on the nose of this bottling. The palate is loaded with smoke and tannins, offering flavors of tangy red plum and tart raspberry that ride a sizzling acidity. MATT KETTMANN
Rather ripe and thick aromas of dried cherry are lifted by dried mint on the nose of this bottling by Sabrine Rodems. There are strong flavors on the sip, where boysenberry meets with tarragon and strong acidity. MATT KETTMANN
Yellow-peach and poached-pear aromas meet with lemon peel on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The dry palate combines lime peels with Golden Delicious apples and a hint of honey. MATT KETTMANN
There's a lot of snappy energy to this bottling by Sabrine Rodems, with fresh garden herbs, blackberries, shaved licorice and a dark chocolate touch on the nose, with a lingering, exotic Indian-like spice throughout. Wild sagebrush and pine oil show on the sip, giving depth to the tangy purple fruit. Squeaky tannins rise toward the finish. MATT KETTMANN
Crisp and tight aromas of mandarin orange and lemonade meet with the intriguing nuance of foamed egg whites on the nose of this refreshing bottling The mouthfeel is incredibly lively, showing flavors of lemon and lime juice, with a slight petrol tough to the palate. --M.K.
Review to be posted in the March 2016 Edition of Wine Enthusiast Magazine!!
A pretty, delicate and forward effort, which is the norm for the vintage, Scratch's 2012 Pinot Noir Kw Ranch Vineyard was fermented with 50% whole clusters and aged ten months in 30% new French oak. It gives up loads of pretty berry fruits, rose petal and spice to go with a medium-bodied, juicy, yet open-knit and supple palate feel. It's a delicious effort that scores high on drinkablity, and should be consumed over the coming 2-4 years.
Made by Sabrine Rodems and focusing on Arroyo Seco and the Santa Lucia Highlands, the Scratch wines are upfront, charming and well-made.
A forward, fun and delicious effort, the 2012 Grenache Ventana Vineyard offers up plenty of kirsch and ripe strawberry fruit, ground herbs and pepper to go with a medium-bodied, supple and rounded feel on the palate. Enjoy this solid Grenache over the coming 2-4 years.
14.2% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.65, 35 cases, $45. Pommard 4 and 667 clones. 50% whole cluster. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Highly scented with aromas of darker berries, savory spices, rose petal and forest floor. Soft and enticing on the palate with a vivid array of dark red cherry and berry flavors that are well spiced and carry over with aplomb on the extended finish. The impeccable balance and drink ability is striking. Tasted later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was even more appealing. My wife was gaga over this wine and she is more picky about Pinot Noir than I. Score: 95
Scratch is a very promising inaugural Pinot Noir from Sabrine Rodems, who’s also the winemaker for Wrath
and Kori. It shows the vibrant fruit of the Highlands, with potent raspberry, cherry and
persimmon flavors, yet is dry and balanced in acids and tannins, with a super-long finish.
Possesses that hard-to-define characteristic of class. Great now, and you can hold it several
years. —S.H.
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