2012 Sans Liege, Call to Arms, White, Alta Colina Vineyard, Paso Robles.
Curt Schalchlin’s Sans Liege wines are all ripe, full of flavor and artisan hand crafted, they are not shy or do they lean or bend to fashion, and they are lovely and unique in every way. Many will follow the blind obsession of not looking past the high alcohol, and at 15.6% The Call to Arms White, Curt’s latest offering is a good example that sometimes you just have to say “screw it I’m going to enjoy this no matter what anyone else thinks” as this 70% Grenache Blanc-30% Roussanne is damn good and feels just fine on the palate. While certainly heady and hedonistic, it doesn’t feel ponderous or sweet, if fact it is more balanced that most Chardonnays out there from the 2012 vintage, so best not look at alcohol alone and judge each wine in the mouth, and no question, the 2012 Sans Liege Call to Arms Alta Colina White is a blockbuster with power, depth and massive appeal to white Rhone fans, especially those that love Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, and while I do admire lots of wines with lower alcohol, I must admit this is really seductive and a quietly pleasure, and I openly confess to a huge smile and joyous reaction to this forceful and lavish wine. The nose shows the intensity of the Roussanne with stone fruit, white flowers, mineral and almond oil leading to a palate with tons of texture and character showing apple, apricot, peach and citrus along with yellow peach/nectarine, hints of mango, melon, clove, anise, white lavender honey and clarified cream. Only 10 barrels were made of the Call to Arms and while some critics will reject it on Alcohol, that will not stop this wonderful expression from being a success, don’t let prejudices blind you, you should definitely keep an open mind, this is a great example of why, drink over the next 2 to 3 years, this is fabulous!
($30 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
