TN: 2007 Duckhorn Goldeneye Migration Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California
Last evening I found myself sitting in a restaurant across from a visiting Frenchman, next to my Burg loving wife, and staring at a winelist with one fairly dismal over-priced choice after another. The Parisian engineer was more of a Bordeaux fan…not a one on the list (it wasn’t pretty). Layer Cake Malbec for $45/bottle…anyone? Cabs, Zins, and the like were not right for the food…so not being my tab, the choice was the $90 (gulp) 07 Duckhorn Pinot.
After bracing myself for an oak assault, I was somewhat relieved to find the wood appreciable instead of completely over-the-top. Some subtle floral notes escaped the lumber and were followed by a relatively full bodied attack of cherry cola mixed with ripe briar fruit and black cherries. The acidity was a bit softer than my preference but the midpalate intensity was pure and noteworthy if somewhat simple. Decent finish with unobstructing ripe tannins. No heat. Not very intellectual, but a solid Pinot for the genre and it paired just fine with the duck and chicken main courses.
Richard, I can totally related to your situation. That’s why I try to bring my own wine whenever possible, but there have certainly been times when I have ordered off the list, and rarely have I found a wine that was even close to being worth the cost. So here I am very glad that you were happy with your wine. Never had Duckhorn before, but I think choosing an Anderson Valley pinot from 2007 was a great choice.
Richard,
When I was at Goldeneye, picking up barrels last year, I remember Zach discussing how they are using less new oak on the Migration starting in 07/08. 07 was a very good year up there as well- smaller crop, earlier harvest.
Paul, Next time I plan to call about corkage. Came very close to ordering the 05 Gilles-Jayer Hautes Cotes Bourgogne…but just couldn’t justify the $130.
John, the oak dial-back seems to be headed in the right direction based on my past experiences but I’d guess there’s a point at which the oak-a-philes might start complaining.