If you need any further proof of John (Soif) Locke’s unerring wine sense, here it is. Last weekend Soif hosted former UCSC student-turned wine grower Kenny Likitprakong of Hobo Wines. Two days later I find that the SF Chronicle has named Likiprakong’s 2009 Ghostwriter Woodruff Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir one of the top 24 pinot noirs of 2011.
Grown from old vines from the Corralitos corridor, this earthy, spicy pinot is currently available for $45 in the Soif retail shop. I’m getting mine today. After I occupy a few banks.
You forget to mention that John Locke’s own Malvasia was among the top “Other Whites” in the same list.
“2010 Birichino Monterey Malvasia Bianca ($15, 13%):
This new effort from Bonny Doon veterans John Locke and Alex Krause hit the ground running, with a batch of this aromatic Italian variety found near the Santa Lucia range. Savvy winemaking brings a dense texture to rich orange and pear fruit, just the thing to give depth to Malvasia’s heady floral and nutmeg aromas, which burst from the glass.”
Whoa – you’ve really summarized this wine with a splendid burst of adjectives.
I am a complete and lifelong fan of Birichino’s Malvasia, in all its vintage variations.
Thanks for updating my tribute.
CW
btw – after polishing off a bottle of the Woodruff Pinot Noir I have to say I haven’t tasted better SC Mtn. terroir pinot. Truly a long, complex journey – from earthy redwood forest floor all the way to the edge of the cliffs, salt air and endless minerals.
This is one stunning wine.
CW