In January of 2005, my partners and I were looking to get into the wine business and had scouted out Brian Loring as our winemaker-of-choice. Ultimately, we were lucky enought to come to terms with Brian and he was the mastermind/consultant behind Pali Wine Co.'s 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages. I offer this pre-text because I want total disclosure before I offer my opinion.
Tonight, I opened a 2004 Loring “Cargasacchi Vineyard” Pinot Noir and it was, I think, the best California Pinot Noir I’ve ever had. In fact, it rivals even the best Burgundy I’ve ever had. It is youthful, bright, funky, dark-fruit oriented, beautifully fragrant with a finish that goes on and on. It is complex yet approachable. I can see it living on for many years and gaining complexity, yet it is qute drinkable now. I’m sure I won’t do it justice with my words. I’d strongly recommend that you seek it out.
Hey, Tim…I met you at a tasting in Las Vegas and have been on your list for a while. I also drank up on the Loring 04s; saw Brian and he told me to go for it. On another topic, I was at the Chardonnay Symposium last weekend and had your chards (08 Shea and 08 Charm Acres) and was very impressed. I think you should continue with the chards.
Hi James, thanks for the kind words on our 08 Chards. We are planning to continue with a Sonoma Coast Chard program (and will be bottling the 09 Charm Acres in a few weeks) but have given up on the Pali Shea Chard. While I love the wine, it is cost prohibitive to bring down the fruit and try and make back our money in this economy. The good news is that we can still drink Shea’s own Shea Chard which is always very good.
Thanks for the thoughts. I am down to 2 bottles but has been 3 years since I have any formal comments in my notes. Although back then I didn’t seem to enjoy it as much as you, I look forward to trying again in the near future.
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