Orfila – 135
Monday, August 8th, 2005
It was with some odd trepidation that I went to Orfila Winery in Escondido… You see, twenty-some years ago, what is now Orfila was home to what was then Thomas Jaeger Winery. Way back then, when I was young and thin and beautiful, I was working at the California State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control when this incredibly handsome young man walked in and asked for a wine-making application. I asked what his affiliation was with the winery and he told me he was the winemaker. Suffice to say that I now have very fond memories of that all-too-brief era in my life, of a winery that is no more, and a young man who is… well, I’ll leave it at that. I know that the Jaegers are now (and, I believe were at that time) growers in the Napa Valley. And the young winemaker today has his own California winery. Yep, that means that some day our paths may cross again, as I continue this blog…
The buildings have not changed and the interior space has been expanded to include both the working wine barrels and selling area. Heck, twenty years ago, I don’t even remember a retail area and not sure there was one. But I do remember the barrel rooms and this set-up is expansive and welcoming as it is nice to see elements of production so closely tied to hospitality.
Alejandro Orfila is the proprietor now and as an Ambassador from Argentina, has showcased his collection of flags all around the winery walls. It is an impressive collection as our world geography has changed, so has many of the worlds’ country flags, including a pre-Apartheid South African example.
The tasting room staff are extremely pleasant, helpful, AND honest. Many of the wines tasted had been recently bottled and while the winery probably should hold them for a while before releasing, I can understand the business behind needing to have wines for guests to taste. In those instances, the staff is up front about the potential that a wine might be too tight and suggest voluminous swirling to counter that. Also, I shot a picture of an unexpected request — here is a winery that really does not want guests to spit. I imagine this has something to do with a health department regulation, but I had never seen it so blatantly enforced. Being one always spit, I simply asked for another cup to spit into. As I am out here often doing this alone, there is no way I’m going to risk a DUI for a mere tasting that requires swallowing. To their credit, they were understanding and allowed me to expunge my samples.
2004 Bien Nacido Chardonnay – Austere and clean with creamy floral tones. Lemon peel and fresh flowers on the mouth entry which warms on the finish. $15.00
2003 Ambassador’s Reserve Chardonnay – Clear, straw color with easy, crisp butter and a hint of fig. $21.00
2004 White Riesling – At 2.3% residual sugar, a fairly sweet offering showing honeysuckle and white melon. Simple and easy to drink. $13.00
2004 Gewurztraminer – Residual sugar unknown, but a sweet nose would indicate at least 2.5%. Enticing roses aromas with some white fruit. The rose aroma mirrors in the flavor and is coupled with layers of pear, honey, and white flowers. $15.00
2001 Pinot Noir – From the San Luis Obispo Edna Valley. Hints of smoke and dust on the initial aroma. A tinny mouth entry blossoms to display balanced herbs in the mid-palate but a thinning finish behind the pale berry. $41.00
2003 "Coastal Cuvee" Merlot – Overt raspberry bouquet that is incredibly young (apparently having been bottled three days beforehand). $17.00
2002 Estate Sangiovese "Di Collina" – An estate wine from the San Pasqual Valley, bright cinnamon and clove shows heightened acidity. The thin, lean entry expands to a juicy center and finishes a bit dry. $20.00
2002 "Gold Rush" Zinfandel – Dark plum and blueberry with layers of mineral qualities shows in the nose. The minerality continues in the initial mouthfeel and interestingly shows some tin and miso flavors. The finish displayed more tin and a faint hue of soy sauce. $24.00
2002 Estate Ambassador’s Reserve Merlot – Slightly murky purple tone. Dusty violet and cherry aromas. Darker bing cherry flavors coupled with oaky leather. $28.00
2002 Estate Syrah "Val de la Mer" – Dark inky color showing meatiness in the nose with a faint hint of greeness. Flavors of wild berry and a bit of dry cocoa on the finish. $25.00
2003 Muscat Canelli "Bacchus Nectar" – Not an overtly sweet dessert wine showing yellow peach and honey. Simple and easy that would work well with a custard dessert. #25.00/750 ml
NV California Tawny Port – Made of Zinfandel and Carignane, hot aromas of dark toffee and nutty butter. Sweet entry and toasted nutty finish. $20.00
Orfila Vineyards and Winery ~ 13455 San Pasqual Road ~ Escondido ~ CA ~ 92025 ~ 760-738-6500