When I launched Terroirist in November 2010, I had no idea that wineries and PR firms would occasionally send wine samples my way.

Sure, like Alder Yarrow, “I had fantasies that one day, just maybe, someone would send me some free wine to review.”

But I had no idea that it would happen so quickly – or that I’d receive so many wines. But that’s what has happened.

So, without further ado, I present “Wine Sample Roundup #1” – the first in a new, occasional feature on Terroirist. Details, wines, and tasting notes below the fold. 

On June 26, three Terroirists (myself, Robby Schrum, and Rebecca Canan) got together with a few local wine geeks to taste a number of California wines that had arrived over the previous few weeks.

The biggest surprise? The wines from Gracianna, a small family winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley (in early June, we interviewed Gracianna winemaker Trini Amador). The Gracianna wines stole the show – fresh, balanced, and totally distinctive.

Review: 2009 Grgich Hills Cellar Fumé Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc
Nose is typical Sauvignon Blanc notes, but not as fresh as I would like. A bit of smoke on the nose, with a very, very strong green bell pepper note. Not enough acidity or citrus notes for a Sauvignon Blanc. (85 pts.)

Review: 2009 La Follette Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard
The diacetyl from the malolactic fermentation comes out too strong on the nose – butter, some peanut shells, and even a hint of movie theater popcorn. Underneath that, some nice lime, lemon, and green apple notes. Some seductive smoke. (87 pts.)

Review: 2010 Gracianna Chardonnay Suzanne’s Blend
Incredibly interesting nose. White peaches, lots of tropical, white flowers, lavender, citrus fruits, some lemon curd. On the palate, perfectly balanced with crisp finish. Very nice acid. Blind, I probably wouldn’t peg this as a Chardonnay. (91 pts.)

Review: 2008 Sequana Pinot Noir Sarmento Vineyard
Big, dark cherries on the nose, some plum jam. Followed by some cola and a touch of anise and nutmeg. Very earthy – think wet, black forest floor. Certainly an interesting wine, if a bit big for my tastes. (88 pts.)

Review: 2009 Sequana Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Smells and tastes like a typical Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, but brighter and juicier. Bright red cherries, some tart cherries, hint of stems, dried herbs, rose petals, and oak. Very pleasurable. (89 pts.)

Review: 2009 La Follette Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Nose has bing cherries, raspberries, and cranberries, combined with a hint of cola. On the palate, unfortunately, the alcohol really comes through and makes the wine disjointed. (86 pts.)

Review: 2009 Gracianna Pinot Noir Bacigalupi
Floral, elegant, light cherries with a hint of sweet spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, clove). Delicate, rosé-like body, wonderful acidity in the mid-palate. Silky mouthfeel. Beautiful. (92 pts.)

Review: 2008 V. Sattui Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder
Smells expensive. Good amount of oak on the nose, with dark chocolate undertones. Underneath the oak, lots of blackberries and black currants. Gripping tannins. Nicely balanced. (90 pts.)

Review: 2008 V. Sattui Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vineyard
Interesting nose. While all the typical Napa Cab notes are there, there are more red fruits than expected — aromas of baked cherries and rhubarb. On the palate, this is a bit syrupy, and tastes very, very young and incomplete. Will likely improve in the bottle. (87 pts.)

Review: 2008 V. Sattui Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Preston Vineyard
Even though alcohol doesn’t have a smell, this wine smells hot. Lots of very, very sweet fruits coming through – black currant liqueur, baked plums and blackberries, hint of licorice, some sweet herbs (sage). On the palate, huge, giant tannins. Finish is hot. (86 pts.)

Review: 2007 Grgich Hills Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon
Nose is beautiful Napa cab – lots of big dark fruits (blackberries, black cherries, black currant) with a hint of eucalyptus underneath, along with some gray, wet clay. On the palate, beautifully structured with similar fruits, along with a hint of vanilla. (91 pts.)

Review: 2009 Gracianna Zinfandel Bacigalupi
Nose of sweet blackberries, plums, and vanilla bean. Big but not overripe. Lavish. Silky mouth feel, great acidity, long finish. A very food-friendly Zinfandel (91 pts.)