A Tasting of Central Coast Wines
1989 Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Estate Bottled; 13.2% alc.
For those who are able to cellar their Cabernets for five to ten years, the Eberle Cabernets have always been among the top choices among Central Coast Cabernets. The 1989, released in a regular and a reserve bottling, is a good case in point. Eberle's 1989 Cabernets were made in an older style with lower alcohol levels and exquisite balance. Today's Central Coast Cabernets usually top 14% in alcohol, giving them additional body and depth for earlier drinking. The 1989 regular bottling proved to be a rare treat. Elegant nose, rich varietal flavors, silken tannins. The current release price of the regular bottlings is $28 and worth every penny. Very highly recommded.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY RED WINES
1997 Il Podere dell' Olivos Barbera California; 13.5% alc., $5.99 Il Podere is the Italian label of Au Bon Climat in Santa Maria. This particular wine is a curiosity that will appeal to wine lovers who favor bright acidity and slightly funky flavors. Slight fecality, aromas of mushrooms and damp seaweed, along with the customary Barbera bright fruit. This is not one of California's leading Barberas, but at its price point, it's hard to pass up and with that in mind: Recommended.
1999 Eleven Oaks Sangiovese Santa Barbara County; 14.5% alc., $35
Eleven Oaks is a second label of Babcock Vineyards in Lompoc. No winemaker is pickier about sourcing his fruit than Bryan Babcock and his wines usually find their place at or near the top of the list of quality Santa Barbara wines. There are many excellent Sangioveses coming to us from Napa and Sonoma Counties, but this is the best we've tasted from the Central Coast. Deep, brooding nose. Chewy, smooth, elegant. Highly Recommended.
2000 Babcock Pinot Noir Mt. Carmel Vineyard; 13.7% alc., $30
The Mt. Carmel Vineyard, along with its neighbor Sanford & Benedict, is one of Santa Barbara County's most distinguished Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards. It's fruit often displays an interesting mineral component that sets these wines apart from many other, more regionally typical offerings. The Mt. Carmel Pinot Noir offers a splendid varietal nose of bright, spicy cherries and rich clean flavors. Huge fruit with exquisite acid balance. Very highly recommended.
1996 Zaca Mesa Syrah Black Bear Block; 14% alc., $28
You'll have to obtain this massive example of Central Coast Syrah directly from the winery. Zaca Mesa was one of the pioneers of
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