2012 Lazarre Albarino
Edna Valley
Retail: $22
Winemaker: Adam Lazarre
Sometimes people say the winemaker makes the grapes better while some say the grapes make the winemaker better. Here it is both. Meeting Adam Lazarre is an experience in itself and his wines are also to be experienced. He produces a 100% Albarino wine which are grapes primarily found in Spain. Edna Valley which is in San Luis Obispo County has success with this varietal grape. Think of an Albarino wine as an alternative to Pinot Gris.
The wine at first glance is bright gold in color and is appropriate for this kind of grape. The nose of the wine is floral and no detection of fermentation as the wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks. It was aged in neutral oak barrels.
The aroma of the wine is tree fruit that gives way to peach, green apple and a hint of orange. Adam makes a complex wine that is lively. We find it to be a medium body wine with slow legs or tears. The slow legs or tears indicate a higher amount of alcohol present (13.7%).
This Albarino wine is smooth and balanced with some structure to it. Your taste buds will dance around with the first taste of peaches and find crisp apples at the end. We did not detect tannins in this wine. The wine has a warm alcohol feel and has a long finish which is really nice. The winery tells us that there are no residual sugars but the wine manages to have some sweetness to it. The sweetness helps bring out the tart fruit flavors. We think you should find the acidity of this wine to be highly refreshing. If you haven't ever tried an Albarino then this is as a great one to start with. It is an experience.
http: www.lazarrewines.com
Food pairing: Pork, salmon, and tuna. Manchego or any sharp cheese.
Vineyard source: 100% Albarino
Vineyard certification: n/a
Harvest dates: n/a
Vintage notes: 215 cases made
Yeast: Not disclosed
Alcohol: 13.7%
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