TN: 2005 Witness Tree Vintage Select Pinot Noir

[Greg_Malcolm]

After being in China for 2 1/2 weeks, with no affordable and decent wine in sight, I was in the mood for a good Pinot last night.

Deep dark purple color. The aromas wafted up out the bottle immediately upon opening, but this needed a couple of hours of air to really start opening-up. Black fruited nose, dominated by fresh blackberry bramble, black cherry and a slight hint of saddle leather. Clean attack, punctuated by moderate acidity. Fine tannins express themselves in a moderately long finish.

This is just starting to come out of it’s shell, with the start of secondary flavor development. Very enjoyable and great with food. I still think it’s on an uphill tragectory. Hold for a couple more years or drink with a several hour decant.

[Richard_T_r_i_m_p_i]

Keep your paws off your OR 05s and 08s! Not like you don’t have any 03, 04, 06 or 07s.

RT

[Greg_Malcolm]

True. However, it’s not like I don’t have any more '05 Witness Tree, either.

An '07 Evesham Wood will probably get clubbed tonight. Which one is yet to be decided.

[Bob_Wood]

WT’s wines seem to retain their primary, grapey flavors longer than anyone else’s.

[Greg_Malcolm]

Bob – Interesting observation. I’d never really thought of that. What would lead to that characteristic?

[Richard_T_r_i_m_p_i]

@Greg Malcolm

Bob – Interesting observation. I’d never really thought of that. What would lead to that characteristic?

Oil of Olay?

RT

[Bob_Wood]

@Greg Malcolm

Bob – Interesting observation. I’d never really thought of that. What would lead to that characteristic?

I have to assume it’s in the vinification but I really don’t know. It’s been that way through two winemakers with the latter learning from the former, but since their wines are all from estate fruit it could be the site. Then again Cristom is right next door, literally, so . . . . . . . . . . . .your call.

[Greg_Malcolm]

@Richard T r i m p i

@Greg Malcolm

Bob – Interesting observation. I’d never really thought of that. What would lead to that characteristic?

Oil of Olay?

RT

I thought it was because they use more grapes that other folks.

[Greg_Malcolm]

@Bob Wood

@Greg Malcolm

Bob – Interesting observation. I’d never really thought of that. What would lead to that characteristic?

I have to assume it’s in the vinification but I really don’t know. It’s been that way through two winemakers with the latter learning from the former, but since their wines are all from estate fruit it could be the site. Then again Cristom is right next door, literally, so . . . . . . . . . . . .your call.

You hit the variables that I had thought of. I would be inclined to discount the site, since it is extremely variable, with changing soil conditions as you move up the hill from the winery to the Witness Tree.