Special Report

http://www.eaglepointranch.com

“Better Red Than Dead” is the motto on Casey Hartlip’s business card. He makes some serious red wines from the Eaglepoint Ranch in the hills east of the Ukiah Valley. WiseGuy’s impressions...

2007 Grenache, Mendocino County

Bright cherry and berry nose with notes of roses and herbs. The palate is full and round, with good acidity and soft tannins. The cherry shines on the palate with bits of rose petal and dried herbs with chocolate growing in a medium long finish. A very good food wine. Contains 10% Sauvignon Blanc.

14.2% alcohol. SRP 20.00

2006 Syrah, Mendocino County

This wine contains some Zinfandel and some Grenache. The nose brings blackberries, blueberries, smoked meat and some mint. These elements are delivered nicely to the palate, carried by firm tannins. The mouthfeel is rich and viscous, with a long spiced finish. Great with medium strong cheeses or beef dishes with heavy sauces.

14.3% alcohol. SRP 20.00

2004 Coro Mendocino

60% Zinfandel, 28% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, 4% Grenache

Aromas of cherry, raspberry, vanilla, allspice, and some duff. The palate is rich and silky, with some tannic grip. Flavors include berries, cherries, vanilla, sage, mushroom and earth. Long complex finish. One of WiseGuy’s favorite of the Coro project. Should age very well. “The Art Of All Together” shines in this wine.

14.5% alcohol. 142 cases produced. SRP 35.00

2005 Petite Sirah, Mendocino County

Here’s a wine with long aging potential. The nose is peppery, with black and blue berries. The palate carries the pepper well, with huge tannins not covering up the blackfruit and other spices - this wine has a rich unsweetened pie filling character to it - if that makes any sense at all... Get some and tuck it away!

14.7% alcohol. 388 cases produced. SRP 26.00

I would be remiss if I didn’t metion that Casey makes a nice white wine also - the 2007 Albarino made from Wenzel Vineyard fruit (Anderson Valley) was a beaut! Crisp and refreshing, with lemon and pineapple over rich viscosity. Too bad it’s all gone...

I wonder what treasures await us from Casey’s 31st vintage!