From poker last night…
2006 Aubert “Reuling” Pinot Noir
Decanted. Translucent ruby color. Medium body. Red cherries in the nose and a bit of spice. Very smooth but not much structure. Moderate acid. Moderate complexity and medium finish. Drink over the next 5 years.
85pts
2005 Native 9 “Ontiveros” Pinot Noir
Deep red color. Medium-full body. Very nice nose of brambly red fruits and cola. Smells more like an Anderson Valley pinot than one from the central coast. In the mouth a bit disjointed at first, and resolves a bit more after a couple of hours. Drink over the next 5 years. Without question, better than the Aubert, but this may be due to the fact that 05 was a much better vintage. If the mouthfeel gets better and catches up to the nose this will be a low-90pt wine in time.
87pts
2000 Ch. Talbot, St. Julien
Deep purple color. Medium-full body. Shockingly open for either a 00 and especially for Talbot, this early. Nice earthy and black fruit aromas. Well-balanced. Medium length finish with a nice, dusty grip. This wine, or at least this bottle, is drinking well right now but will be even better in 5 years. I do have some doubts about this being a super long lived wine because it is already quite nice.
91pts