Toulouse Vineyards Mendocino County | Philo, CA

Toulouse Vineyards Wine Tasting Notes

As a guest of Toulouse (pronounced like "too Loose", as in loosey goosey), you pull right up to the wine making facility in a barn at the top of the hill. Toulouse began when retired couple Vern and Maxine Boltz bought the property in the late 1990's with the idea of someday making wine. By 2002 they were doing just that.

The tasting bar is inside the barrel room, basically a large garage, with barrels stacked to the ceiling. Our host set us up at one of the barrel-turned-tables just as you walk in through the barn doors, (see photo below). The vibe is so laid back and inviting, (loosey goosey?). There were no fewer than five dogs with their owners, and nobody seemed to mind. We had a great time. Like the sign out front says: "Too Tense? Toulouse."

First up was the 2008 Gewurztraminer. This is a specialty up in Anderson Valley, and I really liked this one. Nice pineapple flavors... and crisp.

Just behind the bar we saw them bottling some of the new 2009 Gewurztraminer. Well, gee... can we taste some of that? You betcha. Off dry, just like the 2008, with big fruit and a nice clean finish.

The other specialty of Anderson Valley is the Pinot Noir, and Toulouse produces two Pinots. The first, the 2007 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley was smooth and peppery. Very nice.

The second is the Estate 2007 Pinot Noir, which has much more spice and woody flavors. It was hard to decide, but I think I enjoyed the first Pinot a wee bit better. Both are over $40, though, (pretty standard prices for a small-production, boutique winery), and a bit out of my usual price range.

Next up, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. This baby had a wonderfully big funk on the nose. Very earthy. Deep, deep flavors and layers that seem to go on and on.

Toulouse is a wonderful Anderson Valley-type experience; laid back, and real tasty. We liked how the open barn doors of the tasting room makes you feel like you're outside, and allows you to sit and sip while looking out into the vineyards. Good stuff.

Photos:
The top photo shows the barn taken from the parking lot. The tasting room is directly through the open door at the center. You may notice the sign with the kooky goose mascot with the phrase: "Too Tense? Toulouse."

The second photo was taken from the doorway to the barn, with the bar on the right and those barrel tables to the left.

The bottom photo is from within the tasting room looking back to the bar. The barn doors are just to the right, and you can see the natural light pouring in.

Toulouse Vineyards Wines

Ratings and tasting notes coming soon!