Milat – 139
Saturday, August 13th, 2005
Milat is another small family-owned winery which lies on the main stretch of Highway 29 in Napa. One of the immediate draws is that it is one of the few tasting rooms that stays open late, until 6:00 p.m. What is little known about Milat is that the family has been growing and supplying grapes to winemakers from their 22-acre ranch since 1949.
Although they only produce under 4,000 cases of wine, they do so under two labels; the Milat label and another called Pine Station. The Pine Station label are those grapes that are not worthy of the single-varietal blending and make up a few of the blends produced under the Pine Station moniker.
The tasting room is small and relatively unadorned. Sometimes there is something nice about a no-nonsense approach to what a tasting room is for; one goes to taste wine and the need for t-shirts and decorations and jewelry is secondary. The bloke pouring wine the day I was there was a member of the extended family – a nephew or something, but was extremely engaging and gregarious. A great time was had by all.
2004 Milat Chenin Blanc – A blend of 73% Chenin Blanc, 25% Chardonnay, and 2% unknown. With 1.5% residual sugar, the clear bright offering showed a hint of sweet white melon. The slightly effervescent mouth entry was generally pleasant and would be fine on a hot afternoon. $18.00
2004 Pine Station Rosé – A very odd blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay, this rosé is made with Epernay yeast which gives it a slightly fizzy mouthfeel. The aromas were of fresh, bright currant and cranberry. Simple and easy without too much sugar, but little outstanding flavor and no finish. $9.00
2002 Pine Station Red – 44% Cabernet, 29% Merlot, and 27% Zinfandel. Dominate wood aromas of oak, cedar, and pine, then some exotic Moroccan spice presents itself in the back of the nose. A tad to woody for my tastes. Flavors include black fruit, cumin, coriander, and a distinctly sage finish. Medium bodied. $18.00
2002 Zinfandel – Intense ripe red cherry layered with light spice. Fresh and smooth, a medium-bodied zinfandel with some clove on the end. $23.00
2001 Cabernet Sauvignon – Initial aroma of green bell pepper then dark herbs. After a swirl or two, black plum and oak present themselves. A tad harsh on the mouth entry. The dark fruit seems a bit thin and pale on the end. $36.00
2001 Zivior, Port-style – 95% Zinfandel and 5% Towiga Vaciona. An odd port in that it seemed a cross between a ruby and tawny, trying to determine what it wanted to be. the were dusty floral tones with a hint of nuts. The mouth entry was viscous and sweet with some depth, but not enough to entice me. $25.00/375ml
Milat ~ 1091 St. Helena Highway South ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-963-0168