With a new year comes new accolades for Artesa's stellar lineup of wines.
We are proud to receive a 91/Editors' Choice rating from Wine Enthusiast's February 2011 issue for the 2009 Limited Release Albarino, Carneros Estate:
"The combination of stainless-steel and oak-barrel fermentation has been good for this wine. It’s bright and steely in acidity, and lifts the variety’s mineral and citrus flavors to new heights, adding a rich level of smoky cream. Just beautiful and versatile at the table, a sommelier’s dream wine. Production was a mere 850 cases."
Also very humbling is the 92-point rating that Wine Enthusiast gave us for the 2009 Pinot Blanc, Carneros Estate (pictured above):
"One of the best Pinot Blancs of this or any vintage. It was mostly fermented in stainless steel, with about one-fifth in new French oak. Just beautiful, with the creamy lushness of a fine Chardonnay. The fruit flavor is all about ripe, zesty citrus, spicy pears, tangerines and tangy green apples."
In their "Best of Year 2010" special issue released on December 31st, Wine Enthusiast conferred 92 points to the 2008 Pinot Noir Block 91D, Carneros:
"Made from a small block in Artesa's estate vineyard, this low production (250 cases) Pinot is rich and concentrated in bright raspberry, cherry, licorice and bacon flavors. It's powerful enough to support lots of new French oak, yet is balanced and refined in the mouth. Should develop over the next 4-5 years."
The February 2011 issue of Wine Enthusiast also awarded Artesa's 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley (Winemaker Mark Beringer's inaugural release) with 91 points; it is considered by many to be our best ever vintage of that varietal.
Last but certainly not least, the same issue of Wine Enthusiast recognized a perennial favorite, the 2009 Chardonnay, Carneros, with a 91-point rating (pictured right). Artesa's Chardonnay consistently wows fans looking for a more crisp and fruity Napa Chardonnay, made in the Old World tradition of balanced acidity with a touch of oak and butter derived from stainless steel as well as French oak barrel fermentation.
Try these wines for yourself to see how they measure up on your ratings scale!
