This weekend, Matt and I took a day trip to Jerome and Page Springs. Unfortunately, we left the camera in the car when we were walking around Jerome, but I do have some pictures of Page Springs Cellars to share with you!
We learned that rose bushes are planted at the ends of vine rows to signal potential problems such as fungus, pests etc. Roses will catch most diseases before the grape vines, so it’s a good way to find out if there is a problem before it becomes a serious threat to the crops.
Netting is placed over many of the vines to deter birds.
Page Springs does all of their bottling in the back of this semi-truck. Once the process is finished, the equipment is hauled away, making more room for other vineyard activities. You will also see a glimpse of Eric Glomski in this picture. He is the owner/ head wine maker at the vineyard, and was also featured in Blood Into Wine (a movie I would highly recommend if you are interested in the process of wine making.)
Can you believe we found lily pads in Arizona!
Also, here are the wines for the weekly wine post!
For Keeps:
CASTELLO BANFI Brunello di Montalcino 2004
Editor’s Note: Has fabulous aromas of blackberry, black cherry and raspberry. Full-bodied, with wonderfully integrated tannins, fresh mushrooms and milk chocolate. Chewy in the end. We will see if this is better than the 2001 with age. Best after 2010. 45,800 cases made.–JS
93 Points (WS)
BUEHLER Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Estate 2008
Editor’s Note: Firm, tight, dense and concentrated, with a mix of loamy earth, dried berry, sage, cedar, mineral and floral scents. Full-bodied, ending with chewy, rustic tannins. Best from 2012 through 2022. 1,800 cases made.–JL
91 Points (WS)
ELK COVE Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Mount Richmond 2008
Editor’s Note: Smooth and silky, delivering a root beer-like sassafras and anise character weaving through the blackberry, cherry and spice flavors with transparency and vibrancy. Picks up some cream and tobacco as the finish lingers. Best from 2012 through 2018. 894 cases made.–HS
94 Points (WS)
We drank:
Domaine Sercene – Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley – Yamhill Cuvee – 2006
My Review: Beautifully airomatic, extremely complex, with focused tannins, a hint of spice and a long finish. Hints of blueberry pie, cinnamon, and plum.
Kirkland Signature- Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Cuvée de Nalys – 2009
Never in my life would I have ever purchased a Kirkland wine if it didn’t come highly recommended… It has a certain stigma for me. However, after reading a couple of reviews, I figured I couldn’t beat a Chateaunef-du-Pape for $20. We haven’t had much from this appellation, and I figured it would be a great way to get to know the varietals… and boy was I right!
My review: Silky, lengthy core with a medium length finish. Medium bodied with flavors of tea, spice, and black cherry. This one could be cellared for a few years.
Chateau Bonnet – Entre-Du-Mers – 2009
My review: Bright, zesty and crisp with lemon and herb notes. Mush less grassy than expected for a wine that was mostly Sauvignon Blanc. (This was our first White Bordeaux… and we will be coming back for more.)
Woop Woop – Shiraz – South Eastern Austrailia – 2009
My Review: Lighter bodied for a Shiraz, but still very fruit forward. Almond and vanilla flavors brought a lot of excitement, but were a bit of a let down in the finish.
Necessary Inspiration 