Prospect 772
While only open to the public on Saturday’s, this is one winery worthy of visiting in Calaveras County. They can make appointments during the week. Founders Ron Pieretti and Wendy Sanda, are producing some exceptional Rhone varietals with winemaker Jeff Cohn.
The grounds are beautifully maintained and the tasting room has a “down home comfortability” welcoming factor. To find Prospect 772, it is just off Highway 4 a few west of Angels Camp. Signs show where to turn and approximately one mile down this private road leads to 25 acres which comprises both the vineyards and tasting room.
Prospect 772 has stayed true to their mission of producing exciting Rhone varietals. Each of their wines has a descriptive name so I will provide that and then the varietals used in the production. Currently being tasted are:
2013 Brawler – 93% Syrah, 7% Viognier
2013 Instigator – 100% Syrah
2014 Black Tie Charlie – 50% Petite Syrah, 50% Syrah
2015 Baby Doll – a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
2014 Stepping Stones – 100% Grenache Blanc
2012 The Brat – 69% Grenache and 31% Syrah
2013 The Truant – 54% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre
All the wines were true to their heritage and two stood out as “outstanding”. The first was the 2014 Stepping Stones a Grenache Blanc. A perfect summer wine of 100% Grenache Blanc with concrete fermentation. The tasting notes detail the complexity having “aromatics of lime blossom and passion fruit tempered by a fine minerality. Lush, pure flavors of grapefruit and orange marmalade with herbal notes of anise and tarragon.”
The second noteworthy wine was The Instigator which is 100% Syrah. It had one of the deepest dark purple hue that I have seen in a wine! Ron mentioned it would pair nicely with a steak, prime rib, etc. I purchased a bottle to have with our BBQ steak that evening. He was spot on, as it was a delightful wine with “black fruit tones mixed with roasted herbs and black licorice. Flavors follow with dark cherry and blackberry and a backbone of vanilla & spice”. This was aged in 100% French oak and they produced only 98 cases.
Slainte
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