A Vineyard Managers view of 2006 - Wentzel Vineyard

Looking down on the Vineyards of Eagle Point Ranch in Mendocino

 What is it that makes a wine taste like it could come from no other place? There are short answers like, "Terroir," and long answers.. well, like what follows in Ratcast #55. Some things can’t be boiled down to a set of variables that when stacked up, will give you a predictable result. Wine is like that. Even for the most talented and seasoned winemaker there is always an element of surprise in what comes of their labors.

So much of gaining an understanding of wine is experiencing the wines of a region over the years so you come to recognize what is familiar, not just between the wines from that region, but also what is consistent in the wines from year to year. And if you combine that tasting experience with a wealth of information about a region, its growing conditions, grape varieties, and winemaking practices you can start to pull things out of a wine that help you identify it as coming from a certain place. So to that end, (the gathering of info about a region - end...) today a conversation with Casey Hartlip about Mendocino, the Wentzel vineyard, and the 2006 season…

Casey, shown at right with mighty Pee Wee, is the vineyard manager and winemaker for Eagle Point Ranch in Mendocino County. You’ll see Eagle Point Ranch vineyard designation on wines from some of California’s most respected wineries.

Click here to listen to/download Ratcast #55, 2006 Anderson Valley/Mendocino Season Overview

TPT: 19:40

Before I left the ranch, Casey shared with me some Eagle Point Ranch Grenache. The 2005 Eagle Point Ranch Grenache is a light red wine with lots of berry flavors, (Strawberry, blueberry) but it’s also got earth and leather aromas on the nose. And it has light but lasting tannins on the finish. A very nice wine for a sunny September day. $18 The 2004 EPR Grenache had a bit more structure and more solid tannins, but still those same delicate berry flavors.

Alan