Thursday, June 25, 2020

New Releases from Anaba - Sonoma County / Carneros


Anaba is a relatively young winery, but it's developing a reputation for being one of the rising stars of Carneros, mostly known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded by IBM veteran John Sweazy in 2005, Anaba also makes some Rhone-inspired wines and Petite Sirah in small batches. The winery and tasting room are located right at the intersection of Highways 121 and 116, so if you're heading up to Napa Valley from San Francisco, you WILL be driving right past it. The name comes from the Anabatic winds that flow through Carneros.

I was recently sent a couple of new releases and very much enjoyed getting better acquainted with the label. The wines are made by the accomplished duo of Katy Wilson and Ross Cobb. 


Anaba 2019 Rose of Grenache Sonoma County ($30) Grenache makes some of the best rose in the world and is definitely one of the more favored varieties for making pink wine. Anaba's take on it comes out tawny orange-pink in color with apricot, strawberry, rose, and guava notes with nice acidity, a great mouthfeel, and a long finish. It's a little price for a commercial rose release, and I suspect it's mostly sold through the Carneros tasting room, but it's quite nice. (88 Points)

Anaba 2017 J McK Estate Vineyard Chardonnay Carneros ($46) This home estate vineyard is named for founder John Sweazy's children, John Michael (now general manager of the estate) and daughter McKenna, and the vineyard makes lovely Chardonnay with the supple texture, orange and lemon notes that you expect from Carneros Chardonnay, plus well integrated caramel and vanilla notes. It's velvety on the palate, expressive and flavorful. (92 Points)

Anaba 2017 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($48) Culled from 5 non-estate vineyards on the Sonoma Coast, this is a lovely, velvety Pinot with lush plum, black cherry and spice flavors and a deep, savory earthiness with soy notes. It's ripe and plush, but not overly high in alcohol. I don't think this is a wine that I would hold onto for a long time, but it's very rewarding at present (Summer of 2020). Recommended. (92 Points)

-Tim Teichgraeber


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