I returned to Damsel, but this time in their new tasting room in the Hollywood District. The new space is cozy, and offers a great curated selection of cheeses, procured by Rachel Lukas, Cheesemonger. I was met by assistant winemaker Heather Deulen, whom I had the pleasure of talking to through the pours, and gain insightful perspective on Damsel wines. Both their whites, 2022 Naked Chardonnay, and the 2022 Boushey Vineyard Rousanne were showing well, with nice focus, and acidity with the Chardonnay, and delicate balance with the Rousanne. The 2020 Boushey Vineyard "The Fates" offered a dark, brooding GSM, but I again loved their Malbec, as I have past vintages. The 2019 Stillwater Creek Malbec (10% Cab) delivered with structure to cellar. I was fortunate to sneak peek a little 2021 Stillwater Creek Mourvedre which showed nice balance and integration that could be sipped forever. Read on for the tasting.
2022 Naked Chardonnay
Stainless steel. Dry, with minerality, soft tart green apples, lemon zest, with a crisp finish. $25. Score 91.
2022 Boushey Vineyard Marsanne
Light oaking. A delicate body, soft, pineapples, starfruit, rounded acidity of lemon and finish with minerality. $30. Score 92.
2020 Boushey Vineyard “The Fates”
GSM (GMS). Dark, brooding, complex, and layered, offering dark cherries, earth, coffee, pinch of white pepper and dusty tannins. $38. Score 92.
2020 Boushey Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Dry, oaky, bramble fruit, tart acidity, savory herb and drying tannins. $42. Score 90.
2019 Stillwater Creek Malbec
10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Blueberry, chocolate, dusty tannins with nice structure, long decant or cellar to improve. Food friendly. $35. Score 93.
2021 Stillwater Creek Mourvedre
Swimming minerality, salinity, dark tart cherries, coffee, white pepper swirling seamlessly for a nice sipping wine. $42. Score 93.
