Update: This has been a busy week, but I’ll be back posting tomorrow for a very exciting Temecula Tuesday article. See you then. – Cheers, Tyler (May 5, 2011)
On Monday, What’s Worth Drinking hosted something of a father vs. son taste off between the winemakers of Qupé and Ethan. That article was unique because it just so happened that I was able to compare a wine made in the same year, with the same varietal, and from the same vineyard by each producer. Today I want to keep up with the same family-based theme, but this time with a slightly different format.
In this post we will be talking about the wines of the Daniel Gehrs and Vixen brands. Daniel Gehrs is a winemaker with over 30 years of experience in the industry, working with some big name producers in that time. His own winery, which shares his name, showcases his experience with a fascinating array of wines made from diverse varietals and appellations. Vixen, produced by Gehrs’ daughter, follows that same model, making high quality (and highly acclaimed), low production wines through careful and skilled craftsmanship.
We will be covering a red wine from each of them today, a Merlot from Daniel Gehrs, and a Syrah from Vixen. Unlike Monday’s post, the intent of this article is obviously not for comparison, but is simply to display two generations of fine winemaking.
Wine #1: Daniel Gehrs 2009 Central Coast Merlot
Blackcurrant, black plum, and raspberry show at the core, with a fascinating combination of fig, pomegranate, and bergamot peel around the edges. A spin in the glass reveals a bit of black pepper, black stone, and a combination of black and green tea leaves. Overall, it’s quite complex.
The palate shows ripe plum, raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate fruit tones, with dusty leather and faint hints of caramel. This is an interesting wine, with a very faint streak of bell pepper and green tea leaves. An enjoyable, well structured, and pleasantly complex wine with fresh acidity. Well made.
Worth Trying. 90 points.
Wine #2: Vixen 2006 Santa Ynez Valley “Harmony” Syrah
This wine’s aroma is dominated by strawberry, cherry, and cranberry. A very subtle raspberry tone, a combination of kitchen spices, leather, and rosemary herbal tones also show, with just a light hint of cream opening with a spin in the glass.
The palate is dense and refined at the same time. Raspberry and ripe cherries and berries show initially, with vanilla, caramel, and a bit of white pepper appearing toward the mid palate. This is a pleasant wine with nice complexity and good balance; a smooth, ripe, and sunny example of Santa Ynez Syrah.
Worth Trying. 91 points.
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The Grapevine: What do you typically drink more of, Syrah or Merlot?
