TN - 2006 Joseph Swan Saralee's Vineyard RRV

WINE TALK
1

When Rod Berglund came out to visit us at Rhys a few weeks ago he was kind enough to bring some of his wares. I’m glad he did. Anyone who has visited us at Rhys knows we’re Swan clone junkies, so it’s probably not surprising that I liked this wine, but it’s one of the better cali pinots I’ve had in a while

Pale red color, almost pink at the core. Classic Swan clone nose of rose petals and cherries with the classic Russian River note of cinnamon. I don’t remember if Rod mentioned this or not, but it seems like there might be a touch of whole cluster on the nose, but maybe it’s just whole berry. Palate is similar to the nose with good acidity, nice balance and well-integrated tannins. Really seamless and quite pretty. Thanks Rod-

2

Rod is caring on the tradition up there quite nicely. I’ve been impressed by the light subtlety of the wines from Swan.

3

I’m excited to see the marriage of ‘light subtlety’ & John Holdredge in the tasting room tomorrow.

4

Oh you’ll have fun for certain. [drinkers.gif]

5

Thanks for the note.

I may be wrong but IIRC Rod never uses whole cluster.

Jason

6

I just saw on the other board that there is whole cluster. I must be mixing up some info I got at the falltacular.

Jason

7

Jason, you probably got that from the syrah. I have actually used whole clusters in pinot noir for years. The percentage varies but lately it has hovered around 20% in most lots. The 1988-1990 Swan Estates were all 100% whole cluster but the percentage started going down when the retraining of the vineyard began to take hold. Every year I am tempted to do a couple of whole cluster lots but haven’t convinced myself that it is the right thing to do with the fruit that we get. Maybe this year will be the one.

8

Rod, thanks for the follow up.

Jason

9

Sheesh Jason, told ya! [berserker.gif]

10

You did. In my defense, I think I was given bad info at the Falltacular … or I mis-understood it. I no remember the conversation … “Jason, did you know Rod never uses whole cluster” … my response “BS” … but since this person was just talking with Rod … I though hmmmm… he gets some crazy structure with no WC.

Jason

11

I vaguely remember someone asking me about the syrahs and commenting on whole cluster. I have never used whole clusters in syrah, only whole berries. I really think that is where the misunderstanding came from. However, since you got me thinking, maybe this year we will reverse it and do whole cluster on the syrahs and none on the pinot noir! Gotta keep em guessing!