In November 2009 we started including wineries' responses to reviews along with the reviews. Below is a consolidated listing of those responses.
In response to our review of the 2006 La Crema Chardonnay, Kelly Keagy, Senior Public Relations Manager at Jackson Family Wines sent us this note:
It's hard to comment on your findings without knowing how the wine has been stored over the last couple of years. The 2006 is only two vintages behind current release and should still be showing quite well. We would love to hear your opinions on the 2008 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Have you tried any of our other Chards? We have two new Chards in our line-up - The 2007 Monterey Chardonnay and the 2007 Los Carneros Chardonnay (which was Winemaker Melissa Stackhouse's favorites from that vintage).
Thanks for the email and for your support. Let me know if you ever have any questions about the wines. Always happy to assist.
Cheers,
Kelly Keagy
Can't disagree with you at all, Kelly. Who knows how the wine was shipped, stored, or treated otherwise in the time since it left your bottling facility. But it's representative of what the average consumer might likely encounter on the shelves of their local retailer.
In response to our review of the 2003 Galante Red Rose Hill Cabernet, Jack Galante, President of Galante Vineyards said this:
Thanks so much for reviewing our 2003 Red Rose Hill. I think you hit the nail right on the head with your description. The 2003 was the last year that we made our Red Rose hill out of 100% Cabernet grapes. Since then we are using 8% Malbec, 8% Merlot and 8% Petite Syrah in the blend and it really has been exceptional. Our current release is the 2007 and I would be happy to send you a sample if you would like. Just let me know where to send it. Everything is correct regarding your description except the availability. We are totally sold out at the winery, except for a small library collection.
Please let me know if you need anything from me and, again, thanks for your writing.
Please let me know if you need anything from me and, again, thanks for your writing.
Jack
That is a damn fine wine and a pleasure to review, Jack.
Jack also sent us a rebuttal to our review of his 2005 Galante Almond Flat Pinot:
Jack also sent us a rebuttal to our review of his 2005 Galante Almond Flat Pinot:
All accurate, although of course I disagree with the evaluation. Definitely bolder than most Pinots on the market – that is what makes it a Cabernet drinker’s Pinot. Our early Pinots (2004-2006) tend to have more tannins than we have been seeing in the 2007 and beyond since they were younger vines. We have found that the longer aging time has improved this considerably and that the wines are really nice paired with the right foods. It is one of our more popular wines and is just about sold out. The Burgundian characteristics derive from the clones which are originally from DRC. Personally I am not a fan of the cherry like, light bodied California style Pinots. That is the great thing about wine – there are flavors for everyone!
Best Regards,
Jack
That is the great thing about wine! (And what a class act.)
In response to our review of the 2006 Canard Napa Valley Cabernet, Winemaker Brian Graham sent us this note:
On Behalf of Rich, Candi and myself, I would like to thank you for a wonderful write up.
I sincerely hope that in the future if you are ever traveling our way you will allow us the privilege to show you our "little slice of heaven".
Thank you again, I sincerely appreciate the help, support and am really happy you liked the wine!
Sincerely,
Brian
Your slice of heaven sounds lovely. In the meantime, this wine is a little slice of heaven.
In reply to our review of the 2007 Edna Valley Vineyards Paragon Chardonnay, Director of Winemaking Harry Hansen sent us this note:
Your facts are essentially correct except to say that Edna Valley Vineyard is still a joint venture between Paragon Vineyard and Diageo, which bought Chalone Wine Group's share in 2005.
Regards,
Harry Hansen
Duly noted, Harry.