US Wines

Napa Valley, California
14.2 % Alcohol
Tasted 2015-02-14

Medium to deep purple red. Intensive aromas of freshly picked blackberries, morello cherries, licorice and a touch of dark chocolate with chilli scent. Intensive, young and wild. Definitely a reflection of winemaker Steve Law. On the palate the cherries and the chocolate are dominating. A little bit silky with the sour touch of the cherries. If you drink this wine you simply think "Red". Very long finish. Extremely good.

In October 2014 we walked around Sonoma Plaza and found the MacLaren tasting lounge. Nearly 90 minutes later I was totally convinced that I found the sleeper of my trip. All cool climate Syrahs I tasted had a fantastic quality and the philosophy of winemaker Steve Law - he poured this day - is simple but remarkable: "You don't need high alcohol to produce big flavour." The "Stagecoach Vineyards" Syrah with its 14.2 % is the wine with the highest alcohol in Steve's portfolio. All others are far below 14 %. For me the wines from MacLaren are clear recommendations if you are a syrah lover. But if you visit the cozy tasting room, try also the Sauvignon Blanc. Even if Steve's whole passion is Syrah, he has to also produce a Sauvignon Blanc. His mother asked him to do so...

When I drunk this wonderful wine it came immediately to my mind that this would be a great partner for African chicken food. Perhaps a not too spicy harissa chicken? I believe this wine will have a long life. 10 years+?

Alexander Valley, California
14.5 % Alcohol
Tasted 2015-02-27

Bright and crystal-clear golden yellow. Intensive smell of bananas, caramelized sugar and kumquats with a little bit of lychee and pineapple. The taste is at the beginning dominated by the caramelized sugar. After a short while this is transferred to the acidity of the exotic fruits. And this reamains until the super-long finish. Outstanding.

The 2011 Broken Road Chardonnay is of course still very, very young. On this level with the present freshness the wine will remain for another two years. After that there will be an additional lifetime for further ten years. Momentarily pair it with grilled chicken.

Stonestreet Estate Vineyards is definitely one of my favourite wineries. Especially the quality of the Chardonnays is tremendous. Even the visit in the "normal" Tasting Room Downtown Healdsburg is an experience. The people there are very friendly and highly qualified. During my last visit I stayed there for three hours! And the Broken Road is "only the Entry Single Vineyards Chardonnay"...