With a terrific portfolio of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir,
Expression Wines sources fruit from all the best places these varieties are
grown, including Sonoma Coast, Willamette Valley, and Santa Barbara County. As
a Northern California native, it’s easy to overlook the wines coming out of
Southern California. Don’t make that mistake! Released just in time for grilling season, these two wonderful wines are the ultimate accessory to your backyard BBQ's and summertime soirees...
The 2010 Expression 34° Bentrock Vineyard Chardonnay from
Santa Rita Hills ($45/bottle) is a pretty golden hue in the glass with a
perfume redolent of crème brûlée. Fermented in French oak (10% of which were
new) and aged for 14 months in barrel, the palate is complex and creamy with
plenty of vanilla and spice. Flavors of baked green apple and lemon curd are balanced
by good acid and minerality. Refreshing tropical fruit notes linger on the
finish. Only one barrel was made of this tasty Chard (24 cases total)! Pair it
with summer salads, pesto pasta, salmon or shrimp.
The 2010 Expression 34° Rita’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir
from Santa Rita Hills ($65/bottle) is super dark and concentrated. The nose
offers deep aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, and espresso. Rich and
powerful in the mouth, crème de cassis, blackberry jam, and black licorice flavors
round out the palate. This Pinot has an opulent, juicy texture and a long
finish with notes of sweet vanilla and wood spice. Because it is on the bigger
side, this wine is a perfect match for grilled meats and BBQ ribs.
The Expression Pinot Noirs caught my attention at the Pinot Days event last summer. Keep an eye out for them if you’re attending Pinot Days
on June 30th this year at Fort Mason in SF. It’s a fantastic event
if you’re a Pinot-lover like me!
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