2016 Rhys Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, Horseshoe Vineyard –
This bottle was simply not showing well. I’ve had this before with much better results. The aromas were muted, a little metallic. On the palate the wine was neutral, showing some minerality but little fruit. My guess would be below-threshold cork taint, not enough to smell but enough to kill the fruit. Not rated.
2017 Hartford Court Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley –
Nice and interesting open aromas featuring mostly black fruit; cherry with some raspberry underneath. The palate was solid, medium-bodied, very well balanced, rather firm and structured. The fruit was broad and pleasant, this is a really good bottle, but quite young. Rated 91, 2 - 3 points of improvement possible over the next 5+ years.
2009 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Coopersmith (the label also reads ‘Méthode À l’Ancienne) –
The aromas are both powerful and beautiful, black fruit with hints of earth, with a touch of conifer proclaiming a New World origin. The palate is moderately rich, coating the palate with layer after layer of broad solidity, yet somehow almost gossamer. The flavors unfold with the same subtlety as the texture, black cherry, damson plum, hints of hardwood forest after rain, touches of spice. This is very great wine at full maturity. Rated 98, can probably hold for a few years but if I had another bottle I’d open it tonight.