Testarossa Fall 2002 Open House 10/26/02 in Los Gatos, California.

A wonderful, sunny Saturday afternoon of tasting both current and future releases.

Chardonnay:

2000 Castello Chardonnay-$26
Fairly lean but crisp. Lots of pear. Not my favorite.

2000 Sleppy Hollow Chardonnay-$34
A full bodied wine with good acid. Nice peachs and tropical fruits on the palate. My favorite 2000 Chardonnay.

2000 Michaud-$36
Probably best described by WS as "ripe and spicy". A little too much "ripe" for me.

2001 Rosella's-$29.75 on futures
From Gary Franscioni's vineyard (Rosella is his wife) this is Testarossa's first unfiltered Chardonnay. A creamy texture with pear and tropical fruit. Nice oak. Smoooooth. I loved it.

2001 Bien Nacido-$29.75 on futures
A nice vanilla palate with pineapple and mango. Really very good but I'm going to go with the Rosella's above.

Pinot Noir:

2000 Palazzio-$32
Red cherries and a nice finish. A bit lean.

2000 Pisoni-$55
Rich and complex with bright red fruits and a nice finish. Very smooth with just a hint of terrior. Very good+

2000 Cuvee Niclaire-$68
Burgundian style terroir with a little fruit added. Very good.

2001 Bien Nacido-$38.25 on futures
They say themselves "less flamboyant". That it is. Lean with flavors of roses. Good.

2001 Garys'-$38.25 on futures
WOW! This is a wonderful big Pinot. Ripe berries, spice and terroir burst out of the glass and on the palate. Long finish. I'd have this with a steak. My favorite of the day.

The futures are only available until 10/31/02. I think they are available at their website www.testarossa.com. I think their wines are wonderful but I am a little prejudiced because this is my home-town winery.

Thanks for the notes! Wish I could have been there, but a minor inconvenience called the Pacific Ocean is unfortunately in the way......
I sometimes do not understand the pinots here, but I have gone on record stating that the 99 Rosella was the finest US chardonnay that I have ever had!

Great notes, thanks! I had intended to go to this open house, but something came up and was unable to attend, so I really appreciate your post

[ 10-27-2002, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: Eric White ]