I had run my last note through the thread on the crappy 2011 CA wines. Figured this time would come back with another note on this wine and let it stand on its own. This is dynamite CA pinot, drinking with lots of great red fruits and zippy acid, no intrusion of new oak, really quite pure. There continues to be a lot of pinot traffic on Burg wines, yet we don’t have enough traffic on wines of this CA caliber. Plus, at 36 bucks, I personally think this is a winner and one that doesn’t make me think twice about a price. Let Burgundy continue to raise prices and such…don’t need it with wines like this. Great job, Pax.
2011 Wind Gap Wines Pinot Noir- USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (6/18/2013)
Opened last night. This bottle lacks the barnyard element of the last bottle’s note I wrote a few months back. FWIW, the alcohol is listed ar 12.4%. The fruit here shows a more glossy tone, although the texture fattens up at a warmer temp, which I’d expect. Even in that, it maintains the cranberry acidity. Terrific watermelon, cranberry and lots of strawberry–no blue or black notes here. The fruit has a real nice ripeness, not overdone and yet expressive. Long finish, again from the acidity, along with a cherry hard candy. This is yet another 2011 that reflects both nice acid and bright red fruit. I really enjoy this wine, now my 3rd bottle. Probably should get another 3 bottles of it again and lay a couple down. Excellent.
My thread post was also a bit of an experiment as if I simply posted the Wind Gap TN, as good as this wine is, I doubt it would get any where near the view traffic it did. My point is that there is a lot of good CA pinot out there, that while not burgundy, can please just as well for what I think is far less spend.
I just wish the CA pinot guys, who follow the wines would be more vocal, as much as the dedicated burgundy guys on this board are regularly. I do feel at times the board misses the great stuff like say the California 2011s, that for me are showing what the wines from burgundy can do so well–red fruit, acid and and lower alcohols. Some of you burg guys should try dipping your toe into some of the CA 2011s if you have not already.
Bravo. As a primary burg-guy, I do appreciate this sentiment. I’m currently enjoying a 2010 Au Bon Climat Pinot - a wine I bought because I read Craig Gleason’s note on the 2011 (specifically noting its AFWE qualities) in the ‘what bottle did you open today’ thread.
Many US-based producers of pinot can make absolutely delicious wines for my burg-based palate.
You and I seem to have common stylistic interests in California Pinot. I do agree that plajn tasting notes often fall off the bottom of the page too quickly, but overall traffic pushes that to an extent.
That said, I agree that we don’t have enough detailed discussions of these wines, except perhaps for Rhys. I would love to hear from Pax regarding the sources for this delicious Sonoma Coast wine, and some details on how he achieved such a lovely perfume and balance at a blessedly moderate alcohol level.
FWIW, i just finished the last glass and wanted to update my note. To portray a complete picture, the wine plumped up some, adding a black cherry note, so darkening the red fruit but also adding some gamey flavor, maybe from the stems but increasing the complexity. Still has the acid, just a little fuller texture, less delicate.
Guys, I appreciate the comments on my point about the lower treble of CA pinot noir passion vs. Burgundy on the board. I too also wished more winemakers posted here but Pax does occasionally stop in so maybe he will this time. Whatever the case, I do like his wines, as that of Rhys, too. I appreciate the Kevin remains active and I know some winemakers from CA read the forum, many don’t post but in the background, I am glad they are here.
Well said. It seems like there was more CA pinot talk back in the day, particularly EBob before the wall. I developed a taste for restrained/feminine/mineral-driven pinots and learned about newer wineries like Rhys, Anthill Farms, Copain, Inman, Windy Oaks etc. during that period. There seemed to be many lively, multiple-page debates that attracted several winemakers.
I appreciate that Frank is helping to bring CA Pinot back, to this boards at least, since I think there are many fans here and lots of potential input.
Thanks for the notes, Frank, and for keeping these wines on folks’ minds. I’m popping a Novy Gary’s tonight, but will get to my remaining one of these soon.
Since Carrie and I open a bottle of Pinot nearly every day, I always read, enjoy and appreciate tasting notes posted here. Granted, I lean towards heavier black fruited Pinots but I enjoy many red fruited versions, particularly if the fruit is well defined or forward so I can taste it. When I hear burgundian as a descriptor for any Pinot, its a pass. This Radio Coteau 2011 La Neblina is tasting very good right now with black raspberry, black cherry on the finish and a backbone of acidity.
Frank- have you visited Wind Gap ? Thinking of adding it to the line up for our upcoming trip. Based on your note and what i see on their website I think their style is in my sweet spot.