A
chance discovery in the Monterey tasting room in Salinas, led me back
to the
Frank Joyce’s home and vineyard in the Carmel Valley, where I
enjoyed some of the best wines I tasted during my two week tour of
California.
2005 Estate
Pinot Noir, Joyce
Family Vineyard, Carmel Valley, Chateau Christina, 14.8%
There are very deep rich red fruits – raspberries and
cherries – on the
nose. Very rounded
on the palate with a
nice elegance. Lovely
elegance and a
perfumed palate. Very
focussed. Very Good
Indeed. 90/100
2002 Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon,
Russell Vineyard, Carmel Valley, Chateau Christina, 13.8%
This has a really concentrated nose, initially with lots of cassis;
then it
develops lots of layers of interesting fruit and foliage notes
– some
bilberries, some mint, yet it’s very gentle too. Really quite a fascinating
nose. It’s
really good in the mouth too: initially
the cabernet fruit is to the fore, but then it develops and fills out
with lots
of layers of interest. This
really is
exceptionally good. It’s
very balanced
and elegant. A
superb wine with lots of
superb fruit character, but no heat at all.
Outstanding. 98/100
2003 Merlot,
Michael’s Vineyard,
Carmel Valley, Chateau Christina
From Pomerol clones, this is a 100% merlot.
The nose is supremely elegant and Pomerol-like, with
gentle, plummy black
fruit. Really
elegant on the palate with
super balance. It
has good structure and
is long and lingering in the mouth, with a touch of oak on the finish. Excellent.
95/100
2004 Merlot,
Francis Vineyard,
Carmel Valley, Chateau Christina, 14.3%
This has around 12% cabernet sauvignon alongside the merlot. It has a much more obvious
nose than the
Michael’s Vineyard, and is more obviously plummy with some
chocolate
notes. Rich and
full on the palate, this
is a very nice wine in a very attractive, pleasing style. It has a much riper,
richer, fuller feel than
the 2003 Michael’s merlot.
Very
Good/Very Good Indeed. 89/100
2005 Pinot
Noir, Franscioni
Vineyard, Chateau Christina, 14.5%
This is very restrained on the nose, with lots of red, cherry fruit,
together
with a bit of cedar. On
the nose, it’s
really got an air of Chianti about it.
Soft and gentle on the palate, but with an attractive
fruity sweetness. Very
attractive. Very
Good/Very Good Indeed. 89/100
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Last updated: 4 January 2008