Mcelmo Canyon, Colorado

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Canyon of the Ancients Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

This bottle of “Canyon of the Ancients” Cabernet Sauvignon has been cellared since release. Brought to Tasting Group and presented to the group double-blind. Though technically not testable, the wines from Sutcliffe are very high quality and I couldn't help myself from blinding the group on this properly aged example. The wine was poured into a decanter about an hour prior. The wine pours a deep garnet color with some signs of slight sediment; moderate staining of the tears. Other than the fine sediment, no real signs of age. On the nose, the wine is of moderate intensity: plums, cassis, cherry, tobacco, some leather and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Again, a mixed fruit set, tobacco, earth, leather and baking spices. The finish is satisfyingly long. Guesses were all over he place however few called New World (let along the Four Corners of Colorado!) with most settling on a modern Rioja producer and left-bank Bordeaux. Everyone loved it and the fact it was from Colorado endeared them even more. At this point, the green-streak that these wines typically exhibit in their youth has completely given way and the fruit is ripe and fully mature. It's quite lovely on the pop and pour though a little air doesn’t hurt. This should continue to drink well over the next 5-7 years. — 2 years ago

Daniel P., Eric and 6 others liked this
Neal Ferry

Neal Ferry

Educate me Jay; technically not testable?
Jay Kline

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@Neal Ferry When studying for your Advanced (Sommelier) exam, there is a list of testable varieties and their respective regions. Cabernet Sauvignon is, of course, testable but the Court of Master Sommeliers will only select Cabernet Sauvignon from more traditionally accepted regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This includes Bordeaux (Graves & Medoc), California (Napa, Sonoma, Central Coast), Washington (Columbia Valley), Australia (Barossa, Coonwarra, Margaret River, McLaren Vale) and Chile (Curico, Maipo, Maule, Rapel) for the tasting portion of the exam.

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Cinsault 2015

Found this lovely vinyard in southern Colorado last summer. Beautiful spot. Love the wine. — 6 years ago

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Down Canyon Blend Cabernet-Shiraz Blend 2016

Great wine John & Jesus….it is difficult to understand this is from SW Colorado — 3 years ago

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Dry and clean with a nice balance and citrus bite. Very dry the way I most enjoy a Sauv Blanc and some pleasant mineral taste. There’s a few different notes to it, like an odd aroma of cardboard (?). I love how vineyards are experimenting everywhere. I’ll plan to visit Sutcliffe the next time I’m in Colorado. — 3 years ago

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Colorado Cabernet Franc 2016

Outstanding in every measurable sense — 4 years ago

Tom Himberger
with Tom
Jay liked this

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Nectar Riesling 2015

This is a delicious 2015 Chardonnay from southwest Colorado vineyard! 🍷 Must try! — 6 years ago

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Syrah 2016

Great, I have been Sutcliffe for at least 25 years doesn’t disappoint in BBC any matter, excellent example of Colorado wine — 3 years ago

Tom Himberger
with Tom
Jay liked this

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Pinot Noir 2018

I think it’s fantastic.... Colorado wine.... it’s great — 4 years ago

Tom Himberger
with Tom
Jay liked this

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Chardonnay 2015

Pretty stinking good, as good as it gets with Chardonnay, great job Mr. Sutcliffe — 5 years ago

Jay liked this

Sutcliffe Vineyards

Signature Castillo Vineyard Chardonnay 2010

Popped and poured; consumed over two hours. Beautiful, bright straw color. Very little sign of age, visually. A very pretty bouquet of quince, figs, honeysuckle, almonds and flan. On the palate it's peaches, melon with a touch of almond. Quite a sexy body and the acidity is just perfect. Long finish. Never dropped off. My last of three bottles and the most impressive of the bunch. Time was very kind to this. What a lovely, and frankly impressive, Chardonnay from McElmo. — 7 years ago

Jay and Lyssa liked this
Jay Christianson

Jay Christianson Influencer Badge

Those guys do a nice job! #cowine