TN: 2004 August West Graham's Vineyard Pinot

WINE TALK
1

Medium red-purple in color with a very bright nose consisting of red fruit and flowers with a hint of cinnamon, clove and earth. As with other Grahams I have had, the aromas just seem to leap out of the glass. Medium weight with mild tannins on the palate with a very slight candied component to the red cherry and pomegranate flavors. the spice components predominate in the mid-palate and the finish was moderate with only a bit of heat that detracts from an otherwise delicious wine. The wine paired wonderfully with seared Ahi we had for dinner Unfortunately this was my last bottle, but I don’t see it improving any more so I guess it is time to move on to the 05’s

Cheers,
Richard

2

I would have loved to try this - LOVE the Graham’s vineyard August West, and this was the first vintage!

3

Yes, I have to say that I just love Ed’s Graham’s Vineyard. I always wonder what other winemakers would do with the fruit. (no slight on Ed, as all his wines are great, but I just wonder…

Cheers,
Richard

4

Brian Loring’s is also awesome - stylistically a bit different, but not worlds apart by any stretch. More of a vibrant, brighter style.

5

Todd,

Thanks for the tip. I stopped buying Loring after the 2005 vintage (I like his wine, but there are just too many Pinots out there to buy them all). I will search it out to try. Do you know if there are any other winemakers that use Graham’s fruit?

Cheers,
Richard

6

I asked Ed about it, but I believe he said only he and Brian…it’s a small vineyard.

7

Here’s an update on this wine:

  • 2004 August West Pinot Noir Graham Family Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (12/13/2012)
    Ripe black cherries, black raspberries, and orange peel. Rich and supple on the palate. I’m knocking it down from my previous score, however, because the acidity towards the finish seems more salient against the more faded fruit. But still a delicious wine. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

8

Testarossa also vineyard designates a GFV Pinot. And Kosta Browne gets some for their RRV Pinot. That’s it !

9

Love this wine, will be opening one soon I think.

10

Ww’ve had this twice in the last month or so and really enjoyed it. Time to drink 'em up, I think.

11

Thanks for the update. I loved this wine young.

Time to meet up at the office. I could bring my last bottle if you still feel the same about Graham’s.

Jason

12

I’ve found the August West pinots over the years to be terrific wines. I really like the Graham’s but also the Rosellas. And Ed K is not only a really nice buy but a very talented winemaker. What more can you ask for.