DOMAINE ALFRED
Califa “Chamisal Vineyard”
Edna Valley AVA
San Luis Obispo County
2002
Visual: Rich gold-yellow
Nose: Caramel and butterscotch dominates, but it’s nice and natural smelling (pure) and very pleasant, with hints of creme brulee, hay, toast and melon notes
Mouth: This wine was very round and viscous on the palate. Despite lower acidity, the 5 year old bottle still had grace, style and balance. The oak was well integrated and the wine was mellow, and nice for this age. The finish was clean, long and elegant.
Overall impression: I really liked this despite my bias against “unhealthy” doses of oak! I think it worked because it was not offensively strong, and it was mellow and pure, and melded together well with the fruit over time. I would like to taste a newer vintage to compare.
Stats: 14 months 60% new oak(!), 100% Malolactic; 15% alc (!); 2644 cases; $35; My score: 91