TN: 2007 Lioco Pinot Noir Michaud (USA, California, Central Coast, Chalone)

2007 Lioco Pinot Noir Michaud - USA, California, Central Coast, Chalone (10/10/2009)
WIML92+

Tasted October 10, 2009.

Six of us bought this bottle at retail and split it six ways so we could all give it a test drive. Opened and splash decanted about 30 minutes before serving. Needs more air than that next time or continue to hold. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose started off with some ash like component that was vaguely reminiscent of a Volnay followed by floral notes, black berries, black cherries, a dash of white pepper and a bit of pekoe tea. Flavors of black berries, black cherries, raspberries and dash of orange peel framed over a base of minerals. Medium acidity, tannins and body. Drink now with plenty of air or continue to hold and drink over the medium term. Lioco seems to be doing some interesting things. I’d like to revisit these wines over time. (92 pts.)

Got to go through the '07s recently and I am a really big fan. And you know I don’t like Cali pinot Joe!

I also tasted one of the 2007 Chardonnays but I didn’t get a chance to take a not but it was very Mersault like. Some interesting things going on with these imho.

Had this with Matt last week when he was down in Houston for a tasting … it was terrific. Quite lush but aromatic and pretty. They are doing solid things at Lioco. The Chards were superb. They are done in all stainless. Natural ML. The Demuth Chard 07 was ridiculously good.