Guest Blog by Ray Perchaluk , Wine Consultant, Ray Perchaluk Associates
| On June 11/14 I got to taste a great lineup of wines from Paso Robles, California, the winery that makes Liberty School, Treana and Hope wines. In each Blog I will feature one wine and tell you the full scope of the tasting. Today the wine I am featuring is none other than that famous Vintages , “Liberty School, Chardonnay 2012.” Always a winner and consistently produced in quality and palate. The winery that makes this wine is called the Hope Family Wines. The presenter at this tasting was the President and wine maker, Austin Hope. The wine is 90% Chardonnay, 5% Marsanne, 5% Viognier. The California Apellation is Central Coast. I suspect some clonal variations were used to get a consistency of aromas and palate.
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Although the lighting in the room was dim there was a sliver of light, from an ill draped curtain that allowed enough sunlight for me to see the depth of colour of this wine. This wine has a colour of pale lemon with a touch of gold. It is about 80% opaque with a wide watery clear meniscus.
The aromas were pronounced and I got spice, pear hints, tropical fruit, traces of figs and a touch of butter scotch. I found it medium full-bodied, dry, with balanced alcohol. The palate echoes the aromas. There were traces of butter and spice hints also. The finish is medium long. Although this wine feels ‘designed for tasting now’, I believe a few years aging will add depth of colour and more structured flavonoids.
The aromas were pronounced and I got spice, pear hints, tropical fruit, traces of figs and a touch of butter scotch. I found it medium full-bodied, dry, with balanced alcohol. The palate echoes the aromas. There were traces of butter and spice hints also. The finish is medium long. Although this wine feels ‘designed for tasting now’, I believe a few years aging will add depth of colour and more structured flavonoids.
To me this is a classic winner that goes on year-to-year. I rate it as this, “Excellent, Ray Perchaluk. Consider 3 cases.” This wine has excellent crispness that will fare well with food. It is great for backyard sipping and you can pair it with white meats such as chicken, pork, and turkey. Works well with barbecued hot dogs and burgers. Terrific with fish.
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