It took about a year to put this dinner together, but last Tuesday our tasting group finally had the great pleasure of hosting a wine dinner with Jamie Kutch. The truly great thing about Jamie, aside from that fact the he is humble and a blast to hang out with, is that he really cares about his wines and his customers. And he isn’t boxed by conventional wisdom and production techniques. His wine making talents continue to grow and his portfolio of 2009s are stunning. Do not miss them!
We enjoyed a 4 course meal at Restaurant 42 at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains, NY, pairing each course with a flight of two wines. We drank through the portfolio of 2007s and 2009s. I have been a fan of Kutch wines from the start and have had the pleasure to own and drink every bottling ever made. I first introduced my group to the Kutch label with the 2006 RussianRiver a few years back. More recently, the 2007 SonomaCoast nailed to top prize in a blind tasting by our group over some really great pinots and burgs. So anticipation was mounting for this dinner…and it did not disappoint!
As for the wines, here were the flights:
Flight #1:
2009 Savoy Vineyard – I loved this wine, as did the group. Color was a beautiful dark ruby, the nose was explosive and the mouthfeel was very rich and lush. The wine had excellent balance…a hallmark of Jamie’s wines…with perfect acidity. This was a combination of spring in the glass with some cinnamon and earth tones, and beautiful ripe berry fruits. A very pleasing sweetness in the mouth. A true pleasure to drink today and for many years to come.
2009 Anderson Valley – Nose of candied fruit, and for me at least that red candied coating that goes on apples. What stood out on this wine was the high-toned acidity. Beautiful, bright and crisp. Early on it cuts through the ripe red fruit, but over time this should integrate nicely. I’d tuck this away for a year or two and let it evolve. It has great potential.
Flight #2
2007 Kanzler Vineyard – Classic Kanzler nose with that beautiful earthy, cherry profile. A bit leaner on the palate with great minerality and complexity and hints of brown sugar. Probably the shortest finish of the night. For me this wine stood out as different from the pack. Time in the bottle is serving it well.
2009 Falstaff Vineyard - This is a bigger style pinot and an amazing contrast to the Kanzler. A terrific nose that temps the senses: earthy, briary and yet deep dark fruit. Jamie had indicated that he felt this wine would need the most time to come together, but I think we were all shocked at how well it was drinking on this evening. At this point it was a clear favorite of the group along with the Savoy.
Flight #3
2007 Sonoma Coast – The nose had a hint of spice, black cherry and pomegranate. On the palate you get rich texture. Well integrated and enjoyable. Excellent body and a lingering finish.
2009 Sonoma Coast – Excellent balance on this wine. Everything is in harmony. Beautiful rich body with an almost chalky texture to it and structure that says this can age. Terrific elements of cola, spice and dark fruits. The SonomaCoast remains consistent and enjoyable.
Flight #4
2007 McDougall Ranch – What a nose! Truffles, earth and cherries. This is a deeper, darker fruit profile. Almost mysterious in the glass. This was amazing, and it clearly has room to go.
2009 McDougall Ranch – I got more dark fruit on the 09 nose as compared to the 07. This wine drinks large in the portfolio with a big mouthcoating texture and ripe dripping fruit presence. It makes a statement. This is a serious pinot.
I want to thank Jamie again for indulging us and for allowing us to enjoy his wines and his company. He is a class act and his wines are not to be missed!!!
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