J & P Wholesale, the boutique wine division of Southern Wines & Spirits, hosted the Holdredge Wines’ 2007 release wine tasting. The tasting took place at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. John Holdredge, owner/wine maker of Holdredge Wines, presented the wines himself.

Nine wines were presented during the Holdredge wine tasting. These wines were made using the following varietals or grapes:  Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel, late-harvest Pinot Gris, and late-harvest Gewürztraminer.

Pinot Noir is John’s specialty, and his wine making technique focuses on showing off the features of the terroir in which the grapes are grown.  He uses an all-natural wine making process, one that is directed by his nose, palate and heart. John produces truly fine Pinot Noir, and two of his new wine releases are included in my top 5 California [glossary]Pinot Noir wines for 2007.

Wine Reviews and Wine Tasting Notes:  My Top 2 Holdredge Wines

Now, let’s talk about the Holdredge Wines, particularly the wines presented at the tasting. The following are the two wines that I liked best among the newly released Holdredge wines:

2007 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River)

This wine has the aromas of raspberry, rose petals, strawberry, hazelnuts, and some spices. It has medium plus body. It is heavier/bigger than the Wren Hop (see below), but it still has great structure, body and complexity. This is one great wine.

2007 Wren Hop Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River)

This is the wine I liked best among the nine wines presented at the Holdredge wine tasting. The 2007 Wren Hop Pinot Noir is such a delicate yet complex wine – almost Burgundian. It has the aromas of cherry “griotte,” raspberry, strawberry, and maybe even pomegranate. It is medium-bodied and elegant, and it has delicate structure with almost silky tannins and a lingering velvety finish. This wine is truly very enjoyable even at such a young age; it should age well. That’s all for this wine tasting. I know my wine reviews and wine tasting notes are rather brief, but I hope they’ll still help you make wine buying decisions.

Cheers!