Monday, November 28, 2011

Talbott Wines Shine


         On our return visit to Talbott, the tasting room was packed so we made our way out to the patio and found a table with umbrella overlooking the Carmel Valley hills and within ear shot of a relaxing fountain.  It was a very pleasant scene.
We decided to do one of each of their two tastings—a Standard and a Premium, each $7.50 for six wines, both Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, Talbott’s two specialties, and all from 2009.
Of the many wines we liked, here were some of our favorites:
The Kali Hart Chardonnay ($19)--light and fruity, with a “delightful citrus finish.”  It was a cool, amiable wine for a hot autumn day. 
        Another favorite was the Pinot Noir Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Pinot Noir ($40)—rich, plummy, yummy.
        The stand out for us, however, was the Diamond T Pinot Noir ($52).  We both loved the full, “velvety,” smooth complexity of this wine and knew it would be good with food.  This was confirmed for us by the Talbott tasting room manager, who said that this Pinot Noir had been a featured wine at a recent Talbott Foundation event.  Here’s what it was paired with: a dry aged filet mignon, coffee rubbed, grilled and served with mushroom risotto.  Oh, my.
Talbott wines consistently garner accolades from wine connoisseurs, often earning high points from various wine magazines. Robb Talbott, the winery’s founder, has a passion for what he does.
That passion and focus on quality are evidenced in the family of wines he, and his wine maker Don Karlsen, produce. 
        To experience the ‘09 Talbott wines in all their glory, visit the tasting room at 53 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley or their new tasting room on River Road in Salinas.  Or order some through their website at www.talbottvineyards.com,

P.S. Should you wish to read our reactions to our first visit to Talbott, please visit our November 21, 2010 entry.

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