Mandolina Santa Barbara Pinot Grigio 2005

Here's a cool nothern Italian varietal from cool northern Santa Barbara County.  The Mandolin on the label is a symbol of the "texture, balance, and richness" of Mandolina* wines.

Mandolina Pinot Grigio 2005 was sourced from the Los Alamos district, along Hwy 101 north of Buellton.  The area is considered a cool microclimate within Santa Barbara County.  Vinification was all stainless steel.

Tasting Notes: Color: Light lemon straw. Aromas: Hints of strawberry, starfruit and cold blossoms. Round and juicy at first, then tart and dry, with a bit of a kick, the peachy flavors finish crisp and refreshing.

Outstanding value ($8.09, sale price, Applejack, Denver, CO).

Alcohol content: 14.1%.  Closure: Real cork.

*Mandolina is a project of owners Louis Lucas and Royce Lewellen plus winemaker Daniel Gehrs.  They produce estate-grown Italian varietals Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Moscato, Sangiovese, and blends.  The tasting room is located in Solvang.

Comments

[Sophia]

I'm searching for this wine to buy it again. I originally bought this at Trader Joe's for around $9.00 because I like the Mandolin! Silly I know, but I wanted to try it. Wow, was I surprised by this wine. It is fruity, but still dry, with a nice kick... just right. Exactly what I want from a Pinot Grigio.

[Anjie Park]

Sophia can visit Mandolina on-line at www.LLWine.com or at the Tasting Room on Copenhagen Drive in Solvang. Or feel free to contact me at 1.888.777.6663.

We have a few bottles of that vintage remaining and are expecting to release the 2006 within a few months, which is lovely.

Thanks for seeking us out!

Anjie Park
Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards

[jerry]

Thanks Anjie,
I look forward to visiting Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards on my next trip to Solvang!
Jerry Hall