The 2009 Reviews Start to Arrive & Wine Dogs Book
We've been very lucky in the review department since our first vintage, which scored 90 points or above in every major wine publication. Within a few months after its release, Wine Spectator invited us to pour at their New World Wine Experience event in NYC, and we took them up on that offer.
Because we're small and our family does everything from growing the grapes to making the wine, getting a positive score or review means a lot. It's outside validation that the wines we're making do measure up, and often very favorably. After all, a lot of us (time, energy, and a lot of hope) went into making each bottle.
Now, scores aren't everything, I do admit. In the tasting room it matters most what people taste and like. Personal preference does reign. However, I do think scores and reviews are a great guide for people looking for some assistance with new releases or delving into an unfamiliar variety of grape. They're also a great way for a small winery to reach new customers. My advice to most wine drinkers: find a wine reviewer who you mostly agree with (it will never be 100%), and follow them, regardless of the publication, whether it's big and well-known, or small and focused.
Today we had a photographer here for the Wine Dogs books (the first to be published; apparently the regional books came later). I was excited because we've always complained about how Mendocino County doesn't have its own winery dogs book. Well, Wine Dogs covers the entire U.S., and, cross my fingers, Ozzie the Foursight tasting room dog will be in the next one! The photographer knew just how to get him to pose: lots of dog treats and a squeaky toy! Too cute.
Here are some recent reviews of our new and upcoming releases:
2010 Charles Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (available soon!):
- 90 point & Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast Magazine (May 2012)
2009 Clone 05 Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir:
- 90 points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine (May 2012)
- Pinot Geek Icon/94-98 points, PinotFile (February 22, 2012)
"Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Earthy, savory, and succulent dark fruits on the nose and palate with a complimentary hint of spice, and a lingering subtle note of refreshing citrus on the very long finish. Quite distinct from the Charles Vineyard blend bottling in that it is richer, slightly denser, more assertive on the mid palate, and is structurally more firm, yet the tannins are perfectly proportioned. A beguiling expression of Pommard clone that really shines the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle."
2009 Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir:
- Pinot Geek Icon/94-98 points, PinotFile (February 22, 2012)
"Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Intensely fruity on the nose featuring aromas of dark red berries and black cherries with the slightest spice, leather and oak. Picks up interest over time in the glass. Fills the mouth with broad flavors of red and black stone and berry fruits with complimentary oak-driven notes of toffee and cola in the background. Modest tannins with inviting crispness and a good cut of acidity on the finish. Flat-out great later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. I like this wine for its presence without pronounced weight."
2009 Zero New Oak Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir:
- 90-93 points/Very Good, PinotFile (February 22, 2012)
"Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruity nose featuring black cherries. Crisp and juicy black cherry and cranberry flavors with a hint of spice. Mild, soft tannins and smooth in the mouth. Lacks a little mid palate richness, structure and finishing persistence of a typical oaked Pinot Noir but has its own charm in the purity of its unplugged fruit flavor. ..."
Follow these links to see additional reviews, or articles and other news about Foursight.
Because we're small and our family does everything from growing the grapes to making the wine, getting a positive score or review means a lot. It's outside validation that the wines we're making do measure up, and often very favorably. After all, a lot of us (time, energy, and a lot of hope) went into making each bottle.
Now, scores aren't everything, I do admit. In the tasting room it matters most what people taste and like. Personal preference does reign. However, I do think scores and reviews are a great guide for people looking for some assistance with new releases or delving into an unfamiliar variety of grape. They're also a great way for a small winery to reach new customers. My advice to most wine drinkers: find a wine reviewer who you mostly agree with (it will never be 100%), and follow them, regardless of the publication, whether it's big and well-known, or small and focused.
Today we had a photographer here for the Wine Dogs books (the first to be published; apparently the regional books came later). I was excited because we've always complained about how Mendocino County doesn't have its own winery dogs book. Well, Wine Dogs covers the entire U.S., and, cross my fingers, Ozzie the Foursight tasting room dog will be in the next one! The photographer knew just how to get him to pose: lots of dog treats and a squeaky toy! Too cute.
Here are some recent reviews of our new and upcoming releases:
2010 Charles Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (available soon!):
- 90 point & Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast Magazine (May 2012)
2009 Clone 05 Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir:
- 90 points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine (May 2012)
- Pinot Geek Icon/94-98 points, PinotFile (February 22, 2012)
"Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Earthy, savory, and succulent dark fruits on the nose and palate with a complimentary hint of spice, and a lingering subtle note of refreshing citrus on the very long finish. Quite distinct from the Charles Vineyard blend bottling in that it is richer, slightly denser, more assertive on the mid palate, and is structurally more firm, yet the tannins are perfectly proportioned. A beguiling expression of Pommard clone that really shines the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle."
2009 Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir:
- Pinot Geek Icon/94-98 points, PinotFile (February 22, 2012)
"Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Intensely fruity on the nose featuring aromas of dark red berries and black cherries with the slightest spice, leather and oak. Picks up interest over time in the glass. Fills the mouth with broad flavors of red and black stone and berry fruits with complimentary oak-driven notes of toffee and cola in the background. Modest tannins with inviting crispness and a good cut of acidity on the finish. Flat-out great later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. I like this wine for its presence without pronounced weight."
2009 Zero New Oak Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir:
- 90-93 points/Very Good, PinotFile (February 22, 2012)
"Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruity nose featuring black cherries. Crisp and juicy black cherry and cranberry flavors with a hint of spice. Mild, soft tannins and smooth in the mouth. Lacks a little mid palate richness, structure and finishing persistence of a typical oaked Pinot Noir but has its own charm in the purity of its unplugged fruit flavor. ..."
Follow these links to see additional reviews, or articles and other news about Foursight.
Comments