Profile: Here is one of those rare, American wineries built from scratch out
of a genuine love for wine. Husband and wife team Clay Thompson and
Fredricka Churchill began their careers in academia, (Thompson was considered
the world's foremost authority on ancient Scandinavian languages in the
early 1980s), who traded in ivy walls for trellised fields. With the
desire to fill a tiny niche in the American wine market, the couple
founded a winery producing quality, Alsatian-style wines from Central
Coast fruit. Their dedication has paid off and today the winery is recognized
for producing some of the finest Rieslings and Gewürztraminers in
California. |
Wine of the Week March May 26, 2014:
2013 Dry Gewürztraminer
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Dry Gewürztraminer
Varietal/Style: Gewürztraminer
Origin: Central Coast
Vintage: 1998
Winemaker: Claiborne Thompson
Rating: 14/20
Retail Price: $12 |
Tasting
Notes: The winery's flagship, this Dry Gewürztraminer
is one of the most food-friendly Californian whites we've found. With
.03% residual sugar, a tinge of sweetness makes the flavors more approachable
to the American palate than a traditional Alsatian style. Try this well-balanced
wine with Asian spice, German sausage, Cajun cooking or let it stand
alone. At $12 a bottle, this is a bargain to be enjoyed any way it can!
(Date tasted: 03/03/00)
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Brut Rosé
Varietal/Style: Sparkling
Origin: Central Coast
Vintage: 1998
Winemaker: Claiborne Thompson
Rating: 11/20
Retail Price: $24 |
Tasting
Notes: One
of the most unique sparkling wines we've ever encountered, this Rosé
blended from Dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Syrah. The
Syrah adds an attractive salmon hue, while Muscat brings floral sweetness.
The winery's first attempt at sparkling wine, we feel this unusual blend,
although a bit pricey at $24, makes a perfect party aperitif. (Date
tasted: 03/03/2000)
Other Claiborne & Churchill wines we have tasted:
2010 Pinot Noir
Address
2649 Carpenter Canyon Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 USA
805-544-4066
Visit the Claiborne & Churchill official website
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