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5/14/06
Bonaccorsi Wine Company
"My relationship began with Master Sommelier Michael Bonaccorsi late in
2001 --- two years after his first vintage and three years before his
untimely death. Turning heads with that first vintage, Bonaccorsi's tiny
amounts of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah, rendered in the
style and spirit of a small Burgundy domaine, were "all the buzz" in
California's top restaurants. An acclaimed Master Sommelier, the 20th
American to be awarded the title, his resumé included landmark restaurants
like Masa's and the original Spago. But Michael's passion was winemaking,
dirtying his hands in wineries since he was twenty-one, he knew what he
wanted to make and he also knew how to get there. Those relationships
allowed him sources from Santa Barbara's royalty: Sanford & Benedict,
Melville, Cargasachi and Fiddlestix Vineyards in the newly created Santa
Rita Hills appellation, and Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat Vineyards in
11/29/2007the
Santa Maria Valley. A minimalist inside the winery, using great raw
material created wines of incredible concentration, yet with an uncanny
delicacy...
His tragic death in early2004 stunned everyone. Many were ready to write
off the wines --- most thought the label would end with Michael's passing.
Well, the public didn't know Jenne Lee Bonaccorsi: Michael's wife and
business partner (and fellow USC Trojan) --- Jenne rallied the troops. She
is making the wines with the help of a consultant, Sashi Moorman who used to
be Adam Tolmach's assistant winemaker at Ojai. "It was really important
that Sashi be involved, Michael loved Adam's last vintages, " said Jenne.
Greg Brewer (of Brewer & Clifton, Melville fame) helped finish the 2003
vinage. I'll quote Jenne again: "Greg was really vital in what's happening
with Bonaccorsi because many years ago, we had an opportunity to move the
wine company to Napa/Sonoma (Russian River to be exact) because we really
thought that was the end all. When Greg made this amazing pinot, better
than Mike had ever tasted a few years back, we changed our minds and decided
to stay in the Central Coast. This was before the new Santa Rita
Appellation was created, you know the area that has been getting so much
press lately." The wines are being made in Lompoc at the complex which
houses Presidio, Brewer-Clifton, Stolpman, Fiddlehead and Longoria. Many
other old friends like Bay Area M.S.'s Larry Stone and Peter Palmer continue
with their welcomed critiques and advise --- continuing as they did during
Michael's brief stint here on Earth." --- Alan Jahns
#39749
Pinot Noir “Fiddlestix Vineyard” ‘03
$37.95/Bottle (5 Cases)
Produced entirely from Kathy Joseph's Fiddlestix Vineyard. This is an
exceptional wine from an exceptionally farmed vineyard. Fermented on native
yeast, aged 15 months in 60% new French oak. Difference between the two
pinots? Fiddlestix is more refined, the more delicate (I don't like that
word!), the more ageworthy of the two pinots. Their friend, Peter Palmer
offers these comments: "These wines are beautiful. I was a bit shocked;
having liked the 2002's so much. I thought it would be hard to rival the
2002’s, but these new releases are a worthy successor. 180 cases produced.
#39757
Syrah “Larner Vineyard” ‘03
$41.00/Bottle (7 + cases)
93 Points - Highly Recommended: Wine Spectator. Cropped at two tons to
the acre, a blend of the best clones the Larners have to offer, 383 and
Estrella. Fermented on native yeast with 5% Viognier, aged 15 months in 65%
new French oak. This is the more delicate of the two syrahs. Round, broad
and supple in the mouth 250 cs. made.
#39759 Syrah “Bien Nacido Vineyard” ‘03 $37.95/Bottle (5 cases)
This is what a syrah should be, big and powerful. The blockbuster of the
group, impenetrable, opaque black-red to the rim. Intense mineral nose of
iron ore, blueberry jam, graphite, fruitier in the mouth. Muscular, dry and
full-bodied, well balanced, surprisingly supple tannins on a smooth finish.”
Fermented on native yeast, aged 18 months in 90% new French oak. 220 cases
produced.
#39758
Pinot Noir "Sanford & Benedict Vyd." 2003
$45.00/Bottle (10 bottles)
Made entirely of fruit from Sanford and Benedict on the
famous Santa Rosa road. Organic vineyard, unpredictable at times but
producing a beautiful delicate wine. This is type of wine we strive to
produce. Cropped at less than 2 tons to the acre, fermented on native yeast.
Aged entirely in new French Oak for 18 months. The more feminine of the
pinots, a bit softer in texture, more intriguing and complex. The color is
clean, medium weight ruby softening to a slightly pink rim. Aromas are
immediately alluring, a heady potpourri of peppery cherry-raspberry fruit,
toast, bay laurel and chaparral. Flavors of bing cherry, black raspberry,
caramel and dried herbs. Refreshing acidity, with a finish reminiscent of
black tea leaves. 140 cases produced.
#39752
Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard 2003
$28.00/Bottle (6 bottles)
Produced entirely from the Bien Nacido Vineyard, in a particularly
gravelly part of the Vineyard. Fermented on native yeast and aged for 10
months in mostly new French oak.
The color is pale gold, with just the slightest tinge of kiwi-green.
Aromas of fresh cream, Bartlett pear and golden delicious apple are, at this
young age, subtle but very enticing. The flavors and texture speak more of
small green fruits and citrus, spicy lemon-lime, with barely a smidgen of
vanilla and oak. 450 cases produced.
Aloha,
A hui hou!
Alan