Sans Liege Grenache Blanc / Roussanne Call To Arms

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：2700

Another terrific white from Curt is the 2013 Grenache Blanc / Roussanne Call To Arms. Made from 66% Grenache Blanc and 34% Roussanne that was 100% barrel fermented and then aged 18 months in 22% new French oak, 67% neutral oak and 11% in stainless steel, it has lots of honeyed stone fruits and buttered apple notes to go with a medium to full-bodied, big, rich, sexy and pedal-to-the-metal style on the palate. Drink this beauty over the coming 3-4 years, although I suspect this will surprise in the cellar.

Just as good, the 2012 Call to Armas Alta Colina Vineyard is another full-throttle effort that does everything right. Ripe peach, mint, flowers, pineapple and hints of vanilla bean all come together nicely, and while it-s no lightweight on the palate, it stays fresh and clean. Made from 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Roussanne that spent 17 months in 30% new French oak, it will thrill over the coming couple of years. Curt Schalchlin continues to produce a bevy of outstanding wines under his Sans Liege label. These never lack for fruit, texture or character, and in most cases, represent smoking values. Tel. (805) 773-2770; www.sansliege.com

Superb, yet made in a slightly more reserved style (even though the alcohol here is higher than in the Cotes du Coast), the 2011 Call to Arms is a beautiful blend of 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Roussanne. White peach, poached pear, toasted spice, vanilla custard and hints of minerality all emerge on the nose here and it is sweetly fruited and decadent on the palate, with clean acidity and a blockbuster finish. It should be consumed over the coming year or two. Drink now-2014. Made by Curt Schalchlin, these are all impressive wines that don’t hold back on flavor or richness, yet always stay beautifully drinkable and fresh. Across the board, the 2010s are more tannic and firm than some past releases and most warrant another 6-12 months or so of bottle age. Tel. (805) 773-2770; www.sansliege.com

Textural richness and depth are the hallmarks of the 2010 Call to Arms, another delicious white Rhone blend. Nothing in particular stands out, as all the elements are nicely balanced in a rich fabric of notable class. The blend is 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Roussanne, fermented in barrel and aged mostly in barrel, with some stainless steel. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. This is an exciting set of new releases from Sans Liege and proprietor Curt Schalchlin. Tel. (805) 773-2770; www.sansliege.com

The 2009 Call to Arms (Grenache Blanc, Roussanne) opens with high-toned, ethereal aromatics that remind me of a schnapps distillery. The 17.1% alcohol is quite present in this white. There is excellent depth to the fruit and plenty of length, but this is a style that is pushed too far in my opinion. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. This is an interesting set of wines from Sans Liege and proprietor Curt Schalchlin. The wines are full of personality and potential but the high alcohol is noticeable in a number of these selections. Tel. (805) 305-8564; www.sansliege.com