Girasole Vineyards unveiled new packaging for their 2010 vintage on May 1st. Girasole, along with Barra of Mendocino are owned by Barra Family Wines. The Barra family has been growing grapes in the area since 1955.
“My family has been farming without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides since the 1950’s” says Shelley Maly, VP of Sales & Marketing and daughter of founders Charlie and Martha Barra. The family owns and farms more than 200 acres of CCOF certified organically grown grapes. All grapes are Estate Grown and hand picked.
The latest vintage (2010) includes a Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay.
The 2010 Pinot Noir has a nice ruby hue, reminiscent of cranberry juice. The nose has hints of strawberry and spice. The palate is solid, while not terribly complex it is solid, strawberry bright red cherry and a little earthiness and the finish. Alcohol weighs in at 13.5%, suggested retail price is $16
Weekly Wine Journal rating: 87 points
The 2010 Chardonnay is a light straw color. The nose is a little difficult to detect at first, but after the wine opens up and warms up a little there are hints of tropical fruit and lemon. The palate is light and creamy and fruit driven. There is a bit of toasty oak on the back end. There is a decent amount of acidity which really helps lift this wine, I think this could end up being a great value summer sipper this year. Alcohol is 13.5% and suggested retail is $13
Weekly Wine Journal rating 87 points.
Weekly Wine Journal 