Spring starts on March 20th this year. That knowledge plus the weather turning a shade warmer in Southern California today put me in mind of some of the wines I thoroughly enjoyed last spring and summer. And autumn, for that matter.
Ecclestone, from the Tangent Winery in California's Edna Valley region, is one of my favorites for when the last vestiges of winter have gone away for a while. Tangent is an offshoot of Baileyana Winery. You might expect a winery which specializes in white wines - and which has "tangent" as its name - to vary from the mainstream occasionally. They do. This "alternative white wine" utilizes so many varieties, it could be named "Pinot Kitchen Sink." Pinot Gris, Viognier, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat and Albarino all combine to produce this unique and fascinating wine.
There is a very modern flair to the label with clean lines a crisp design. Remember those descriptive words. They'll come in handy later when describing the wine.
Ecclestone's nose is gorgeous. It's full of flowers. It has one of the most intensely floral bouquets I can remember. Orange blossom is billed, but to my nose it's more like honeysuckle with a splash of orange. If you recall the intensity of the smell when walking near a honeysuckle, the first sniff of this wine is much like that. Try to serve it only moderately chilled, as those floral notes really explode when not fully refrigerated.
The flowers don't quit after you smell them. There is a floral carpet laid upon the palate as well, one which I welcome each time I experience it. Citrus notes are here, along with a clean and crisp minerality that braces and refreshes. There's a stony quality to the minerals that comes through, as opposed to chalky. I love this wine on the deck on a nice warm afternoon. It refreshes in much the same way a cold, hoppy ale does. It just seems made for the sunshine. The acidity is certainly there, too, so don't think this is just a sipper. Serve it with salads, Kalamata olives, mild cheddar or a nice plate of scallops.
Variety: Pinot Gris, Viognier, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat and Albarino
Appellation: California > Central Coast > San Luis Obispo > Edna Valley
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol Level: 13.5% abv
Price: $20
Acquisition disclaimer: Purchased by the author
