Mr. Daner got me to thinking with his recommendation of Soliste Pinot in another thread. I will seek one out soon. Let’s take it further here.
What is your most highly rated or most memorable domestic Pinot you have had to date EVER? Before you answer, please give a few words about your style preferences in Pinot. Having that could be quite helpful to people like me who are finding their way. I also realize that great Pinots are made elsewhere, but lets please keep it domestic for this thread, or better yet, start your own thread.
I will thank you in advance. I will also give my humble entry and please keep in mind, I am new to this Pinot thing.
Style preferences so far: red fruits/strawberries. dried rose petals/hints of tartness. lemon peel, bright and crunchy.
I tend to prefer the more Burgundian, lighter, higher acid pinots. William Selyem form 1984 and 1985 were my outstanding California pinots.Maybe Precious Mt. and Rochioli. Current would be Soliste 2012 Ambroise.
I was on the William Selyem list in the 90’s and the Allen vineyard bottlings were probably the best I have ever had. Not sure about the current status of this vineyard.
Well, you know my preferences. Clos Saron which you’ll probably hate would be my top pick. Hirsch Vineyards would be my second which you may or may not like. The line-up is strong all the way through.
This. I long for those late 80’s and 90’s W-S bottlings. I haven’t topped them since. Several Rochioli SVDs, the 2005 West Block was one, have come close.
I’m squarely now in the leaner edges of CA, with a an eye to Anderson Valley, as I enjoy the red fruits in Pinot Noir that come from there: apple, strawberry and raspberry, with blue tones in warmer years. Acidity and very low new wood, as well.
I like Pinot Noir across the style spectrum. I prefer more acid than tannin structurally. My favorite Pinot Noir ever from anywhere is:
1991 Eyrie South Block Reserve, Dundee Hills Willamette Valley
The South Block are ten rows in the Estate vineyard. This gets 2 years in barrel before release. I drank this in 2012 while standing in the kitchen of Tom Douglas’s “Serious Pie” restaurant in Seattle. This was 21 years from vintage & I can still remember the perfect tightrope walk of pure, energetic cherry/pomegranate fruit, spectacular acid & hints of spiciness. It built intensity throughout the night & was the best Pinot Noir I’ve ever had.
Very cool seeing the Laurene love. We drank a 2011 on Christmas Day over cheese & charcuterie. Domaine Drouhin had 2002 of their regular Pinot out as a library offering when I visited once and they were knee buckling good. I’ve never tasted that vintage of Laurene, but I can only imagine.
2004 Windy Oaks Henry’s Block. Definitely California but had a great funk and a wonderful transition from the sweet/sappy midpalate to the crisp/tart finish.
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