2006 Inman Family Pinot Noir Olivet Grange Vineyard- USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (11/3/2009)
Popped and poured, enjoyed over a couple of hours along with a dinner of beet salad and duck confit. Bright red fruits and spice on the nose. Tart, tangy fruit, tons of acidity, lovely balance. The main thing about Kathleen’s wines is the harmony of flavors and aromas. Everything works together so well. Glad to have a few more of these to enjoy over the next few years.
Thanks, Brian - I had a bottle recently but didn’t take notes, and didn’t want to prepare one from memory more than a day later. What I recall and what you state is spot on - her wines do have this amazing balance of flavors and aromas. I was surprised that this wine was a bit bigger bodied than I anticipated - not a ‘big’ Pinot, by any stretch, just fuller than I would have expected from her wines. Great stuff.
I noted that the 2006 OGV seemed a shade darker color than the 2005 as well. For me that seems to be typical for Pinot from 2006 v. 2005/2007–at least for some producers from the RRV/SC. That said, I’m definitely looking forward to the 2007 OGV, since the couple 2007’s I’ve had from the RRV (Swan, Wesmar) have been excellent. It will be interesting to see what Kathleen’s restrained style produced in a vintage with such intense concentration and purity.
I’ve been lucky enough to taste the 2007 OGV a couple times now. The biggest difference I’ve noticed is an amazing increase in minerality - on top of tons of structured acidity and juicy red fruits. With some air it picks-up some coffee/chocolate notes - something I think may be a result of the oak at this young stage.
Awesome wine that I think shows the evolution of the vineyard - but it is something to put away for a while. I picked-up my 6 pack weekend before last, and all bottles went directly into storage for a long sleep. I’ll probably wait two years before I pop the first one.
Nice note, Brian. I had the 2006 Thorn Ridge recently … man, it was smoking good. Haven’t checked in on the OGV in a while. Good choice while the 2005s sleep away.
Andrew - Kathleen has released the 07 OVG to the club members this fall. If I’m not mistaken, general release will be in the spring - right around the time the new winery/tasting room opens at OVG.
Another wine to watch for is her 2008 Chardonnay if you like white burgundy. I tasted it from barrel and was blown away - the most ‘Burgundian’ Cali chard that I have ever tasted. I assumed there was zero MF & almost fell over when she told me that it was 100% ML.
Full disclosure - my wife and I are friends and I’ve done some strategy work for her up-and-coming website relaunch, but I have zero $$ interest.
OK, it’s all coming back…she mentioned you on our visit this August, and I recall your posts last summer. Hopefully the 2007 will be in my next club shipment this winter, but if no, I’ll be happy to have more of the 2006.
Thanks for the info. You saved an email to the “Maker”