Loma Prieta Winery

With totally tantalizing aromas of strawberries, rhubarb, raspberries, pine forest floor, apricot jam and wet cement, this sweet young thing of a wine walks the line between “solid” and “ethereal.” This is a teenage girl walking down the street dressed to the nines and not totally unaware of the impact she is having on the gents of certain distinction in their Porsches.

On the palate, it’s a solid effort with flavors of brambly raspberry, apricot preserves, jambon, green figs, tamarind and green peppercorns. From the beautiful Saveria Vineyard in the Pleasant Valley/Corralitos area, the fruit hangs long and develops intensity that can stand up to gobs of fine new French oak. All three older siblings of this wine have taken Gold medals in the San Francisco Chronicle and West Coast Wine Competitions: the 2006 was Best of Region at the State Fair in 2008. There’s no reason to believe this wine won’t join them in the medal category.

So young, yet with such fine long legs. Don’t rush this one. But don’t wait too long either, as it’s a limited production and sure to sell out quickly.

Reviewed November 17, 2008 by Laura Ness.