Those of you who read my last column on Simi will remember my unbridled enthusiasm for this winery, including its current releases. A succession of terrific winemakers, including Zelma Long, have introduced a basketful of seemingly endless innovations to this marvelous California vinous enterprise. As I recall, I was particularly impressed with Simi’s Landslide Cabernet Sauvignon, a noble candidate for either quaffing or aging slightly.
Today, I was excited to test two more of Simi’s gems. In this grueling enterprise, I was ably assisted by my son, Patrick, whose palate has steadily improved over time. I wish I could take credit for this progress, but I’d like to think that his improvement is organic, logical (is that Spock talking?) and self-initiated. He can only continue this trend over time, improving like a fine wine.
Here are our tasting notes for these two wines, which are for sale in Simi’s tasting room, but are generally tough to find elsewhere. The prices that I noted are those posted on Simi’s website. Based upon the obvious quality of these, I’m tempted to pull the trigger on a purchase of one or both of these:
1) Simi Pinot Gris, 2010, Russian River Valley, $20 at winery. Clear, pure white color with heavy, almost unctuous body. Forward, emphatic nose of intense fruit laced with melon and fresh flowers. In the mouth, it was almost explosively deep and fruity with more grassy notes of butterscotch dancing with bracing acidity. Elegant, long finish. Challenges many of Oregon’s champions! A+
2) Simi Petite Sirah, 2008, Dry Creek Valley, $35 at winery. Joyous deep purple hue with clingingly heavy body. Heady, intense nose laced with plums, blackberry and wild blueberry with a hint of vanilla (oak aging?). On the palate, it boasted intense and emphatic suggestions of profoundly heavy fruit with cocoa and coffee bonuses. Long, hedonistic finish. A definite rocking chair wine! A+
Of these two exceptional wines, I’d have to give a respectful victory nod to the Petite Sirah as the winner of this tasting.
Cheers, and Happy New Year! You rock, Simi!
