2006 Mount Eden Vineyards Pinot Noir Saratoga Cuvée - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (9/12/2009)
WIML87
Tasted September 12, 2009 at a retail tasting.
Garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of smoke, ripe dark berries and cloves. Flavors of black cherries, black berries and a bit of raspberry on the clipped finish. Medium acidity, tannins and body. Drink over the medium term. (87 pts.)
The Chardonnay from this line is much stronger. Don’t think the Pinot vines are quite as mature.
I haven’t had the 06, but I have had a couple bottles of the 05 Saratoga Cuvee Pinot Noir over the past few months and was really impressed for the price. Great vibrant fruit, lighter/medium bodied, good balance, nice acidity, even a bit of tannin.
I’ve also really liked the 05 Saratoga Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon.
Scott
The '05 was an anomaly for this line. But, seeing as '07 and '08 were really good years here, plus the improvements to the new vineyards, that may be a thing of the past.
Wes
Do you mean the 05 was an anomaly as in a good anomaly or a bad anomaly? Did you like the 05 saratoga cuvee pinot/cab?
Scott
The '05 Saratoga Cuvee PN was abnormally good. I’d say 92 pts, when others, such as the '04 and '06 tend to be 86-87.
The Estate PN is always good, and the '05 and '06 are exceptional.
I rated the '04 Saratoga Cuvee Cab 90 pts, which is pretty good for $25.
'07 and '08 were both exceptional years for SCM PN, from everything I’ve tasted.