TN: 2012 Talley Vineyards Pinot Noir

B_Buzzini · June 9, 2014, 3:46am

2012 Talley Vineyards Pinot Noir - USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Grande Valley (6/8/2014)
Always been a fan…but even more so after visiting the winery last month. Found this one locally….and it rocks for the $!
50% Rincon Vineyard, 47% Rosemary’s Vineyard, 3% Las Ventanas Vineyard fruit….the first thing you notice is how creamy smooth this is…dare I say Chambolle-Musigny?!? Wonderful fresh crushed fruit(raspberry,cranberry,cherry,rhubarb)….somewhat deep, ripe and spiced…think 09 Chambolle M! As the wine pillows over the palate…it has subtle complexities of sweet earth, cinnamon stick, sassafras, tobacco wrapper…spicy pepper and whole cluster finish. Really tasty, easy drinking with contemplation, little Pinot here! Will definitely load up on this one! (93 pts.)

Paul_N_i_e_l_s_e_n · June 9, 2014, 7:15pm

I think Talley makes beautiful wines across the board.

BLittle · June 9, 2014, 10:55pm

just tried their 2012 chards and was very impressed! Need to check in on the pinots… the estate is one of the best QPRs in the pinot world.

James_Cross · June 11, 2014, 5:14pm

Nice post. I’d imagine this is pretty good coming from 2012 fruit. Not much love for Talley wines on this board, although I’m a fan and have some of this particular wine. I mainly buy the single vineyard versions (chard and pinot) but several of my friends like the basic Estate renditions better; earlier drinkers and not as big or over done.

Chris_Seiber · June 11, 2014, 5:40pm

What was your visit like? The one time I visited there, it was a pretty antiseptic experience, basically pay a fee and taste the few basic bottlings and that’s as far as you go. I take it you found a way to have a better experience there – tell me about it and how you brought it about.

I do like their wines, and the SVDs age well. I had a 2001 Rosemary’s Vineyard maybe a year or so ago and it was terrific.

Vinni_Capra · June 11, 2014, 6:19pm

I’ve picked up the Rosemary and Rincon Pinot Noir and now and again in a pinch from a local store kind of my go to pinot in a pinch when on the other side of town. Positive experiences with both. Mind you this was 2009 and before its been a while.

larry_schaffer · June 11, 2014, 6:23pm

Another Central Coast producer who continues to make great wines at reasonable prices . . . But they fall ‘under the radar’ because of where they are…

Paul_N_i_e_l_s_e_n · June 11, 2014, 6:42pm

That’s unfortunate, Chris. The one time my wife and I were there a few years ago, we paid the $10 fee for the entry-level tasting, and after that was over, the young man offered to let us sample anything that was open (which we rather sheepishly accepted). Hopefully your next visit will be more like ours - on a slow day, with wines being poured by the same enthusiastic young dude!

Kenny_H · June 12, 2014, 10:33am

Shhhhh!

B_Buzzini · December 4, 2014, 12:42am

Jeb D confirmed my confirmation on how good this wine is(92pts)…then I’m confirming his confirmation and my prior confirmation with a another bottle tonight! This wine rocks for the money….confirmed!

The 2012 AG Chard is also confirmed….by both of us as well!

Dav_d_Parta_n · December 4, 2014, 2:41am

A dependable, high quality producer, true to the CA style while avoiding the over the top almost rotten grape thing. Hard to beat for those in the market seeking out a delish bottle comfortably in between AFWE and Purple Drank.

Chris_Seiber · December 5, 2014, 1:40am

Talley is one you see fairly often on restaurant lists out in California, too. At typical restaurant markups, you might be looking at $50-60 for the pinot and a little less for the chardonnay.