
Thomas 2018
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- Glenn L e v i n e
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Re: Thomas 2018
Haven’t gotten mine yet.
"Never lose sight of the fact that it is just fermented grape juice" - a winemaker and negotiant in Napa Valley, CA
Re: Thomas 2018
Elegant, age worthy pinot noir from estate fruit planted in 1984. The vineyard is in the northwest portion of the Dundee Hills, but unlike most of the AVA, it sits on relatively shallow Willakenzie soil. John Thomas is a one-man show, decidedly old-school, and a really nice guy.
Jonathan
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Re: Thomas 2018
FWIW, I had a chance to visit with John many years ago.
He was remarkably humble, reticent, told me about how he searched for land for years before he bought his place and tasted thru most of his stuff in elevage with me. It was a visit I won’t forget - just he and I for maybe two hours.
I have given up buying here (which I regret from time to time) but, if I had a bit more income, this would be first on the list.
I also visited with several neighbors who grew grapes and made wine and, to a person, they said John would do anything for his grapes - no matter the time or difficulty.
The vintages that I had are gone but I recall that magnums at 12 were young and balanced with lots of life left in them. And the ‘94 in 750 at 20 was utterly charming.
Thanks for the post - it takes me back . . .
Best, jim
He was remarkably humble, reticent, told me about how he searched for land for years before he bought his place and tasted thru most of his stuff in elevage with me. It was a visit I won’t forget - just he and I for maybe two hours.
I have given up buying here (which I regret from time to time) but, if I had a bit more income, this would be first on the list.
I also visited with several neighbors who grew grapes and made wine and, to a person, they said John would do anything for his grapes - no matter the time or difficulty.
The vintages that I had are gone but I recall that magnums at 12 were young and balanced with lots of life left in them. And the ‘94 in 750 at 20 was utterly charming.
Thanks for the post - it takes me back . . .
Best, jim
Florida Jim
Re: Thomas 2018
Since you've probably already put on a few pounds this year, the last thing I want to do is tempt you with an appetite enhancer. As luck would have it, the 2018 vintage begs for a bit of cellaring. Just think, three years from now you'll be able to lure dinner guests with the promise of a glass in order to gift them with a jar of your pandemic pickles. Such foresight! Your better half will be impressed.
This being a small berry vintage, the wine is unusually dark and well-structured. It sports a brooding nose, pronounced mid-palate and bright, clean finish. In short, it's that rare vintage featuring both high natural acidity and optimal ripeness. Following a growing season that showcased the nicest spring I've witnessed in fifteen years, the fruit was harvested on October 13th. Four acres yielded 492 cases that were bottled by gravity following 23 months in barrel.
To your continued good health
エaイdドrリiアaンn (93 pts.)
- John Preston
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Re: Thomas 2018
Order in. It was your rec Jim back in the day that got me "hooked." I do have some '05 mags that I must retrieve from the offsite locker...Jim Cowan wrote: ↑October 9th, 2020, 5:52 pm FWIW, I had a chance to visit with John many years ago.
He was remarkably humble, reticent, told me about how he searched for land for years before he bought his place and tasted thru most of his stuff in elevage with me. It was a visit I won’t forget - just he and I for maybe two hours.
I have given up buying here (which I regret from time to time) but, if I had a bit more income, this would be first on the list.
I also visited with several neighbors who grew grapes and made wine and, to a person, they said John would do anything for his grapes - no matter the time or difficulty.
The vintages that I had are gone but I recall that magnums at 12 were young and balanced with lots of life left in them. And the ‘94 in 750 at 20 was utterly charming.
Thanks for the post - it takes me back . . .
Best, jim
Cheers,
JP
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Re: Thomas 2018
Full case - $820
Full Monty (8 bottles + 2 mags) - $840
Half Case - $420
Joe 5Pak (4 bottles + 1 mag) - $430
2 Magnums - $320
Re: Thomas 2018
Does anyone have any insight on the winemaking? Stems? Cap management?
Had a 2011 last night and it was in great shape. Reminded me a little of Pommard.
Had a 2011 last night and it was in great shape. Reminded me a little of Pommard.
Ludg@te
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Re: Thomas 2018
I know his 4 acres is dry farmed and had to be replanted in the mid to late ‘90’s because of virus. He did that a little at a time.
When I visited he talked about not doing too much and letting the wine be what it will be but never spoke of technique.
Based on tasting only, I’d say there is some stem inclusion. No idea about cap management, temps, etc.
Best, Jim
When I visited he talked about not doing too much and letting the wine be what it will be but never spoke of technique.
Based on tasting only, I’d say there is some stem inclusion. No idea about cap management, temps, etc.
Best, Jim
Florida Jim
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Re: Thomas 2018
It is always a vintage driven decision. To give you and idea: Below is a message I received from John when I asked him about what I was tasting in the 2014 vintage wine.
"Michael,
Well, you’re noticing a couple of different things. For starters, the vintage was the warmest we’ve ever had (2015 & 2016 have continued that pattern) so the fruit was opulent to begin with.
Secondly, I took advantage of that ripeness by including a high percentage of whole cluster fruit in the fermentation. One can’t do this every year 2016 was equally warm but the stems remained
unusually bright green & bitter so the vintage was destemmed 100% but it provides a nice counterpoint to the ripeness. Glad to hear that you enjoyed a bottle already. It should be interesting to
see how the wine evolves over the next seven to ten years.
Happy Holidays,
-John"
PlanoWino
Re: Thomas 2018
JT does not own a press, so it’s all free run juice. He has two large vats that he made from a milk storage tank. I may be misremembering, but I’m pretty sure he uses them for both fermenting and assembling barrels prior to bottling. Everything lives in the small winery he built into the hillside next to the vineyard.
Jonathan
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Re: Thomas 2018
I've been traveling and can't wait to return Tue to confirm my offer has arrived. I wrote him last year and have no idea how I got so lucky to be added (perhaps it was the naked begging!), but I ordered the full monty and plan on doing the same this year.
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Re: Thomas 2018
Oh boy, got home early and no offer in the mail. I'm hoping maybe tomorrow? Does he send them out in a tiered system?
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Re: Thomas 2018
Yay! Yesterday I received the postcard with stamped self addressed envelope and am in for the full monty yet again. This is my last mailer this year and am so grateful for the offer! (dN doesn't count!)
- Glenn L e v i n e
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Re: Thomas 2018
I got my letter too! Anyone not on the receiving end who wants some reach out. Working only part time I can’t take my usual Full Monty.
"Never lose sight of the fact that it is just fermented grape juice" - a winemaker and negotiant in Napa Valley, CA
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Re: Thomas 2018
20 years from now would probably be more appropriate. At least 10.
Re: Thomas 2018
Just landed in the Chicago area as well. Should have known right away without looking at the label that an unexpected delivery in the fall is the Thomas order. Well, see you in 2028+.
W e i s h @ @ r
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Re: Thomas 2018
Received mine as well in the western suburbs. Quick turnaround and I look forward to the wines...but will probably move them all offsite soon. ; )
Cheers,
JP
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Re: Thomas 2018
Curious how long it took after your check was cashed? I noticed that mine was cashed yesterday. Not a big deal since I have yet to open any from last year's Full Monty (my first year making the list).
Re: Thomas 2018
I have something like a 3 hour audio interview with John Thomas I recorded four years ago. I really should find that and release it. ![tease [tease.gif]](./images/smilies/tease.gif)
He quietly influenced me, up til now. One man show, one wine, small production, fair (but not low) price, make the wine raw and let time take care of it.
![tease [tease.gif]](./images/smilies/tease.gif)
He quietly influenced me, up til now. One man show, one wine, small production, fair (but not low) price, make the wine raw and let time take care of it.
ITB, text me anytime at 707-266-4168
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Re: Thomas 2018
That would be awesome!Roy Piper wrote: ↑October 24th, 2020, 4:56 pm I have something like a 3 hour audio interview with John Thomas I recorded four years ago. I really should find that and release it.
He quietly influenced me, up til now. One man show, one wine, small production, fair (but not low) price, make the wine raw and let time take care of it.
Cheers,
JP
Re: Thomas 2018
Has anyone else still not received their allocation? I know this guy marches to the beat of his own drum but I’m starting to wonder if I should try to reach out
Ludg@te
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Re: Thomas 2018
That articulates the essence of what I sought to do.
‘Never heard it expressed before.
Best, jim
Florida Jim
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Re: Thomas 2018
I generally receive mine pretty soon after the check is cashed. Although if shipping to Texas, I could see it being a little later because of weather.
- J.Vizuete
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Re: Thomas 2018
Our Texas shipment arrived on 11/1 -- I would recommend to reach outT&om c&lement wrote: ↑November 21st, 2020, 10:43 amI generally receive mine pretty soon after the check is cashed. Although if shipping to Texas, I could see it being a little later because of weather.
John
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Re: Thomas 2018
I too have not received my shipment yet. I reached out and was told it should be here this week.
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Re: Thomas 2018
Got Notice from UPS that mine will be delivered in CA Monday. I ordered maybe 3 weeks ago.
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2021 WOTY Candidates
Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
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2021 WOTY Candidates
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Re: Thomas 2018
Still waiting on mine too. Texted with John a couple of weeks back and he mentioned having an issue with his shipper so there was a bit of a delay for the east coasters.
A d @ m
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Re: Thomas 2018
Yeah, he said the same to me via a nice phone call. Said later via text to expect my order today and surprise! I received my "full monty" yesterday! I'm thrilled that the '18 is 13.4% as well!
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Re: Thomas 2018
Glad to hear all worked out.
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2021 WOTY Candidates
Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
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Re: Thomas 2018
Jonathan,
Does that mean that the Acme brand is coming back to life? In turn, one of the best buys in Oregon Pinot Noir.
Does that mean that the Acme brand is coming back to life? In turn, one of the best buys in Oregon Pinot Noir.
HS Math Teacher (old ITB)
Re: Thomas 2018
He said it will be a “sabbatical year” for him, so I take that to mean he didn’t harvest anything.
Jonathan
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Re: Thomas 2018
Interesting. I always hoped that when the Pinot was off that he would harvest his Nebbiolo for a wine. Something must have been way off.
HS Math Teacher (old ITB)
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Re: Thomas 2018
Ahhhh, the Thomas Nebbiolo. If I'm not mistaken John does harvest and bottle the Nebbiolo for personal consumption during most years.Travis Fantz wrote: ↑December 16th, 2020, 9:19 pm Interesting. I always hoped that when the Pinot was off that he would harvest his Nebbiolo for a wine. Something must have been way off.
Sorry, many favorites from the forum have already announced that there will be no or very limited Pinot in 2020 due to the fires and smoke taint. Although the Thomas Vineyard is on the back side, it's my understanding that the Dundee Hills were heavily impacted.
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Re: Thomas 2018
I found it interesting that one of the empty bottles on the shelf behind William Kelly on a recent podcast was a Thomas pinot. Never had this producer on the radar before now. Suppose that is pretty good publicity. Would be interested to try out....sounds old world, sham about the 2020s
Re: Thomas 2018
I'm pretty sure John replaced all his Nebbiolo vines years ago. I remember him cursing John Paul (with a laugh) for talking him into it. To my knowledge, he never vinified it separately.
His decision to not harvest was indeed because of heavy smoke, mostly from the Bald Peak fire.
His decision to not harvest was indeed because of heavy smoke, mostly from the Bald Peak fire.
Jonathan
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Re: Thomas 2018
I visited him in spring 2019 and they were still there. And he had the 2018 Nebbiolo in barrel, which we sampled. No discussion of him possibly pulling them.jrozes wrote: ↑December 17th, 2020, 3:34 pm I'm pretty sure John replaced all his Nebbiolo vines years ago. I remember him cursing John Paul (with a laugh) for talking him into it. To my knowledge, he never vinified it separately.
His decision to not harvest was indeed because of heavy smoke, mostly from the Bald Peak fire.
CT - WestbyGod
Climbs like Tony Martin and descends like Thibaut Pinot
Climbs like Tony Martin and descends like Thibaut Pinot