| CORE PROPAGANDA |
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| Recent tasting notes (Robert Parker Jr., Judy Willis M.D. of the Montecito Journal, Mark Squires (erobertparker.com), Wine Enthusiast, Andy Abramson, Los Angeles Times, Dennis Schaefer of the Santa Barbara News Press, Eric Anderson of www.grape-nutz.com, Mark Storer (www.tastecaliforniatravel.com), Tony Velebil, Eric White, Diane Rucker, Dan Myers, Tim Grubb's CORE profile(www.westcoastwine.net/grubb/core/core.htm), Neil Monnens (www.winerelease.com), Brent Null (www.winebratz.com), www.winescene.com, winelovers and www.erobertparker.com:
The latest from Andy Abramson of Winescene and the Del Mar Times 10/29-11/4. "After his debut over a year ago, finally the world has taken notice, as uber-critic of all critics, Rober Parker, rated Corey's releases under the CORE Wine label in the 90's recently, making David's wines hot stuff" "But that's the rub. He's only making a small amount of each of his three reds and one rose, and while he's looking to produce more wine, he's not going to sacrifice quality for quantity. Corey grows his grapes hight atop the highest hillsides in the region."
Recently Robert Parker Jr. reviewed CORE in the Wine Advocate and we did well, here is the recap: 2002 CORE BLEND 352- Somewhat Rayas-like with its cool climate/raspberry/mineral character, it may be controversial because of its lack of color, but there is no shortage of flavor, intensity, or complexity. 90 points. 420 cases, $24. 2002 ELEVATION SENSATION Alta Mesa Vineyard- is no shy baby at 15.3% alcohol. It reminded me of a grand cru Burgudy Corton more than a Rhone Ranger. An artistic offering with finesse, elegance, and considerable complexity, this medium ruby colored, well textured 2002 exhibits exquisite sweet berry and cherry fruit as well as a striking minerality. It could easily be mistaken as French. There is something magical about the Alta Mesa Vineyards’s alluvium and decomposed granite soil. 91 points. 96 cases, $32. 2002 HARD CORE- Grown in decomposed granite and cropped at 1.2 tons of fruit per acre (same for all wines) 15.7% alcohol, is a serious hombre. Its light to medium ruby color is deceptive given the complex aromas of plums, cherries, earth, pepper and raspberries. The ethereal bouquet is followed by rich fruit medium to full body, and considerable soul/personality. Almost surreal in its complexity, elegance, and individual style. 90 points. 120 cases, $27. 2003 Mourvedre Rose- Value priced, the unusual label can only be explained as a surreal view of a gynecologist’s interpretation of the earth’s core. Tasty notes of plums, cherries, spices, herbs, and pepper emerge from this interesting rose. 88 points. 110 cases, $14. He also said, “That this appears to be an exciting newcomer to the Rhone Ranger scene”. “ I believe all the fruit for Dave Corey’s wines comes from the Alta Mesa Vineyard in eastern MONTECITO JOURNAL, 7/04, from Hospice du Rhone: The CORE Wine Company 2002 Blend 352 was a standout as was its predecessor, the 2001 Blend 541. David Corey starts with respect for the vineyard, located in the Cuyama Valley, near the source of some of the best grapes utilized by Ojai Vineyards. Corey's wines proved what I had learned earlier that day about the marvels of Mourvedre. David confirmed, "We wanted to be a California producer that specializes in high-quality blends, highlighting Rhone varietals with a particular focus on Mourvedre, because the right blend of varietals can be more interesting, more complicated, and ultimately more food-friendly." SANTA BARBARA NEWS PRESS, 6/24/04: Perfect for summer sipping is their 2003 Rose, a blend of Mourvedre and cinsault. This ain't your father's rose either, it's a rose with attitude possessing plent of dark fruit flavors and a hint of fresh strawberry. No fluff here, it's hard-edged and finished completely dry with the requisite acidity to match up well with summer foods. The 2002 CORE blend 352 shows dark fruit and black cherry on the nose, the initial sensation is direct fruit flavors that follow for the aromatics. A bit of chewiness and texture on the midpalate, plue grace notes of spice, add to the total effect of this eminently drinkable moderately bodied wine. Both wines will no doubt sell out soon. Eric Anderson of www.grape-nutz.com: 2002 Hardcore $27. This blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Cab Sauv has a lovely cassis, cola and clove scented nose, with lots of grip on the palate, and very long finish. Very nice now and sure to improve. 120 cases. Overall score A- 2002 Elevation Sensation, Alta Mesa Vineyard $32. The blend of Mourvedre (65%) and Grenache (35%) screams Chateaneuf du Pape all the way, from its toasty meaty nose to it's smooth delicioius fruit. Much more refined than the "Hardcore" here's a wine to sip and contemplate. 96 cases. A- Comments: first showing up on the radar at the 2003 Hospice du Rhone owner/winemaker Becky and Dave Corey have a couple of solid offerings with Rhone-style blends from a 'far-out' vineyard source. They lease 17.635 acres in the Cuyama Valley- which is two ranges over from the SYV in the northern part of Santa Barbara County. QPR winner 90 points, Mark Squires. Mark Storer of www.tastecaliforniatravel.com: 2002 Elevation Sensation: Becky and Dave Corey of CORE wines. Their blend of 65% Mourvedre and 35% Grenache from Santa Barbara County was heads above most of the other Rhone blends I tasted. Los Angeles Times April 14, 2004 (food section): tasting panel of: David Shaw, Russ Parsons, S. Irene Virbila and Leslie Brenner. 2001 CORE red wine, Santa Barbara County. Dave Corey's blend of Mourvedre (50%), Syrah (40%) and Grenache (10%) has a sweet blackberry nose, firm tannins and plenty of roasted red fruit flavor. It was the most Rhone-like of the tastinWine Enthusiast Author: Steve Heimoff Date: March 2004 CORE 2001 Rhone Blend (Santa Barbara county) 90 points From 3,200 feet up in the Sierra Madre mountains, a first-release Rhone blend of Mourvedre, Syrah and Grenache from a promising new vintner exploring an unknown region. Very good extraction, lots of focus and intensity in the ripe fruit, but balanced, without being overly hot. Delicate tannins and firm acidity provide great structure. 250 cases.
Hospice du Rhone All Rookies Team http://winescene.com/WineScene060603.htm Author: Andy Abramson, Publisher & Editor for Wine Scene Source: erobertparker.com, Mark Squires' Wine Bulletin Board, Del Mar Times Date: …….."Then there is Dave Corey. He reminds me of a young Tom Petty, the rock star, when the 2001 Core "A mix of 50% Mourvedre, 40% Syrah and 10% Grenache from the high altitude Barnwood Vineyard near Ojai is without a doubt one of the best new wines sampled this year. Possessing perfect balance, great texture and almost gulp a second fruit flavors, this wine made with love, passion and attitude is a real winner. Sadly only 250 cases of winemaker David Corey's wine will be released next month, but chances are the knowledgeable buyers of Santa Barbara Wines will be lining up when they go on sale. Perfectly ripe fruit of strawberry, raspberry and cocoa with a sinfully smooth mid palate makes this wine reminiscent of the better wines from Dr. Parce's Domaine de Mas Blanc or Aupilhac's Coteaux du Languedoc or even a well aged Gauby Vielle Vignes." |
| Del Mar Times, October 17-23 Take David Corey and CORE wines. A grower, viticulturalist and now winemaker with his first two totally impressive releases, that as time goes by seem to gain strength and power, while having an elegance of their own. |