Brief note; '08 Grochau Cellars Willamette

WINE TALK
1

This was the result of my one and only Beserker Day purchase-a mixed six pack from John Grochau. I had enjoyed a case purchase of his '07 Commuter. This '08 is quite different, no doubt largely due to vintage and partly due to vineyard sourcing. This is on the dark fruit side of the pinot spectrum, medium bodied, not particulary earthy, but spicey and quite lithe, graceful, impecable balance, and a long satisfying finish. As good a $25 pinot as I can recall having, right up next to the other out-of-this-world value, the '08 Belle Pente Dundee Hills.

2

A big +1 on John’s wines. His Dundee Hills bottling is an excellent representation of the terrior.

3

“His Dundee Hills bottling is an excellent representation of the terrior.”

Yes, I received a Dundee in the mixed Beserker Day 6-pack too and while I might try that one tonight, my inclination is to simply order some more of the Dundee Hills based upon how darned good the WV is. It’s a safe bet.

4

I’ll probably be seeing John in a couple of weeks when I go to the Helioterra and Vincent open house. I’ll pass these comments along.

5

I’ll pass these comments along

Thanks Bob. I traded a few e-mail with him earlier today about buying some more and mentioned that I put up a post. He probably thinks I’m angling for a deal. I plead utter innocence with no ulterior motive.

6

I really liked the '08 Commuter I was able to drink courtesy of Messr. Tallan. a few weeks ago. Not that I need another winery to purchase from but I’ll likely be looking into these.

7

Mitch,

Happy to hear you liked the '08 Willamette Valley. That wine has been a funny one, my mid tear wine was dummer than my Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity bottlings for the longest time. I feel that in the last month is has come out of its shell and showing well. Of course, with the structure and concentration in that wine it will last a while for sure.

Bob,

See you in a couple of weeks, perhaps I will let you taste the new Pinot Blanc out of tank… Only if your nice!

Rick,

Thanks for the kind words! How is the hip?



The Dundee Hills bottling is has been my favorite for a while now (if you can have favorites), a bit more graceful and pretty wine that I find to be very “Dundee” like.

8

Well, I guess “taste John’s pinot blanc out of tank” will remain on my bucket list 'cause I’m never nice. [snort.gif]