Happy Smith Story Anniversary to Will Kinney!
Let's all raise a glass to Will today! Will joined us one year ago as our very first Director of Hospitality, more like cannonballed into our lives, smack in the beginning of Harvest 2018 and our 2018 Fall Wine Club release. We are thankful he found us. Homegrown Missouri guy, Blackberry Farm intern, Cornell grad...next time you see him ask how he first connected with Smith Story, it's an epic Story of course! Many of you have met Will and/or corresponded with him, don't hesitate to reach out to him via our LIVE CHAT or email him today. We are over the moon to have him on our small team and rely on his talents more and more each day. He knows a thing or two about fine wine too.
Thank you Will for helping us exceed expectations for our guests and fans of Smith Story Wine Cellars! - Ali & Eric
Our 2019 Fall Wine Release Tasting Notes According to Will Kinney...
2017 Smith Story, The Boonies, Pinot Noir Anderson Valley
The first time I stuck my nose in this pinot noir there was a wave of bright red fruit, strawberries in particular. Growing up my mom, sister and I would go pick strawberries at a pick-your-own farm. I was immediately reminded oh bringing them all home and preparing to make jam. That initial aroma reminded me of when he strawberries just began to heat up in the pan. Not cooked, but at peak freshness being surrounded by the suns heat.
After an hour I came back and resisted the wine, as it opened up it shed a little of its bright pallet. But transitional into something different. There was more mint and other wild berries on the pallet. The structure of the wine is a bright kick up front with a long lingering back pallet that widens over time.
2017 Smith Story, Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County
On the nose & after decanting for about an hour... lots of red fruits and darker stone fruits, strawberry, raspberry and plum but with a stronger tertiary element - almond skins and more red/black peppercorns.
The pallet for this wine started with great acid out front that immediately widened into structure and tannin on the back end. You can tell it is mountain fruit this year. My favorite part about that structure is I feel that you can really taste that the tannins are coming mostly from grape and not the barrels due to the more neutral regimen.
When I returned to the glass a little bit later, I was struck by how much on the pallet had changed to more earthy flavors. I was immediately thinking of a darker chocolate, but with nuts - again back to the almond skins. It actually reminded me of some of my favorite mornings growing up where we would go on hikes. Often it would be after a summer rain so everything in the forests smelled slightly damp. I would often bring a bar of dark chocolate to snack on throughout the hike for a bit of energy. Smelling and drinking this wine reminds me of those mornings.
Couple these two with a few bottles of our riesling, rosé and Sauvignon Blanc and you have all the wine you need for Fall celebrations and unwinding with the good stuff! Don't wait, these wines are not going to be available long.
Cheers- Will Kinney, Director of Hospitality, Smith Story Wine Cellars
Speaking of Hospitality
Private Tastings at the Winery During Harvest: All tasting fees will be waived from September 1 through October 31 when you book directly. Please wear work-out-ish shoes and allow a good 60 minutes for your time with us. This time of year will allow you a true insider's peek at all the harvest behind the scenes. Details on the VISIT page.