Thornton Winery, Temecula CA

We weren't planning on visiting this particular winery, but the night previous when we went to Black Market Brewing we meant a bunch of the pourers there.  They were extremely friendly and gave us a lot of recommendations for other wineries including Doffo, Polumbo, and Briar Rose (which, unfortunately, we didn't make it to this trip). 

The winery and the grounds here are very nice; there's a large, castle-like building that holds the facility and the tasting room, a large fountain in the courtyard, an adjoining restaurant, and lovely views of the vineyard.  Inside at the tasting room, they play smooth jazz music.  This isn't a typical tasting where you stand up at a bar and have the pourer explain the different wines to you; rather, this is the type where you sit down, choose your (rather expensive) flight, and the pourer brings out 4 different glasses to you at once with a sheet that explains the different wines. 

We chose to try 2 different flights, the Red Lovers Flight ($15) and the California Champagne Flight ($16).  Visit their website here.

NV Cuvee Rouge, $26: "Our NV Cuvee Rouge is a uniquely creative Cuvee that brings Syrah and Grenache together in an unparalleled way."

• Color - cranberry, clear, little visible carbonation.
• Aroma - smells like sparkling cider; raspberry & apple.
• Taste - pear, slight citrus. Lingers on the tongue, a bit tart.
• ABV - 12.5%
• Overall - this wasn't bad, but the lengthy finish bothered me a bit.

Thorny's Coat Red (2010), $25: "A food-friendly blend of Zin, Syrah, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah and Barbera makes a wine that has a lot of fruit as well as soft tannins as a counterpoint."

• Color - deep burgundy.
• Aroma - very interesting & enticing; bright and lively fruit.  Herb?
• Taste - smooth, subtle fruit.
• ABV - 13.7%
• Overall - I would love to smell this all day! Light, easy drink - delicious!

Estate Syrah (2010), $29: "Berry and plum aromas aged in limited new oak by design brings a subtlety that will surprise and delight you."

• Color - deep burgundy.
• Aroma - deep berry and plum, very delicious.  Slight must.
• Taste - very subtle but smooth.
• ABV - 12.3%
• Overall - Not spectacular but a smooth, easy drink.

Suite (2010)

• Color - very dark burgundy.
• Aroma - very sweet and syrupy.
• Taste - dessert but not sickenly sweet; smooth finish.
• Overall - I'm not a huge dessert wine fan, but this was very smooth and sweet.  A light Port, not overpowering.

NV Brut, $24: "This new Non-Vintage Brut is a blend of primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, giving this wine exciting, crisp fruit characters."

• Color - clear, golden hay with carbonation.
• Aroma - citrus, pineapple, and apple.
• Taste - pleasant bubbly, tart finish.
• ABV - 12.5%
• Overall - I'd toast to this! Lovely aroma, typical Champagne taste.

NV Blanc de Noirs, $24: "Our Blanc de Noir is a rich and complex sparkling wine made entirely from the classic Pinot Noir grape.  It has the aromas of rich melon fruit and toasty years, with an abundant citrus and apple characters in the mouth."

• Color - dark pink, semi-clear, beautiful bubbles.
• Aroma - bright, with strawberry and melon.
• Taste - subtle apple, tart. Pear?
• ABV - 12.5%
• Overall - Not my favorite, interesting aftertaste.  Not bad.

Brut Rose (2005), $19: "Our Brut Rose California sparkling wine takes its light-garnet hue from limited contact with the grape skins."

• Color - medium pink, semi-cloudy. Baby pink towards end.
• Aroma - floral and cherry, very subtle.
• Taste - creamy and smooth, powerful carbonation with a slight tart finish.
• ABV - 12.5%
• Overall - Very pleasant champagne!