McPrice Myers Beautiful Earth 07

WINE TALK
1

Had a discussion in a previous thread with Brian G about how this was coming along so opened one up on xmas. Nose had stron black fruits and some crushed rock, but was dominated by alcohol. Fearing the worst, I let it set in the glass for a little while before tasting. What a complete alcoholic mess on the palate. Someone described it as wine with a shot of vodka. Completely disjointed and unpleasant. What to do with the three others I have?!! pileon

2

Or the other 20 bottles that are starting to show the same. [help.gif]

3

well … crap! sorry your experience was no better than mine, seo. perhaps this is one to set aside for blending with any underripe and/or thin syrah or grenache we come across in the next couple years. [pwn.gif]

4

I never understand why this producer is so popular. I’ve tasted the wines, poured by McPrice Myers himself, at a local retailer. They were all too alcoholic and too ripe. Not worth more than $10 or $15 tops. For some reason McPrice Myers gets a ton of love on other Web discussion boards . . . .

5

Greg,

I bought based on the glowing recommendations from forum members as well, and enjoyed them (for what they are - sweet, big, lots of fruit) when opening them young. I think the winemakers’ inexperience here is at play, where they don’t realize that these types of wines they are making must be consumed within 6 months, no more. Hopefully they will figure it out.

6

Furthering my MM weekend extravaganza, I also opened the 07 Larner and the 07 Cuvee Kristina. The Larner left much to be wanted and had the same alcohol issues as the Beautiful Earth. The Kristina actually showed very well on a pop and pour. Weird, but very nice, aromas of apricot and black fruits. The bottle began to go downhill though as it got more air. Definately not one to decant and another indication that Todd’s point regarding drinking young is key here.

7

…or just take a major pass [rofl.gif]

8

I recently had the '07 Les Galets and it did not show any of the alcohol or “mess” that is noted above. That wine was big fruit and aromas, with a nice finish and no heat. I will open one of my BE’s and see if my experience is similar to the notes above.
Will also check these at Falltacular, as these wines will be there as well.

9

The 2006 Barrel 27 Syrah is very nice at $15 here. It’s made by Myers and another winemaker I think?

10

Barrel 27 is a collabo label: McPrice Myers and Russell From (Herman Story).

Part of me wonders if these extreme alc. issues are a result of this “glorious” 2007 vintage in CA? It’s certainly possible that Mac instructed his growers to go for maximum ripeness and nature allowed him to overdo it in this regard with this vintage. I will continue to be a buyer, albeit a wary one. I’ve enjoyed Mac’s wines immensely, but have recently run into some with a few issues (i.e.: '05 Grenache going down, over-extracted '06 Altas Vinas, alcoholic '07 BE, and an '05 Les Galets that was good but not as good as it was a year prior). As for now, it appears these are early drinkers – if you don’t like 'em young, it might be best to pass.