97 BV ‘reserve’ [Carneros] An older pinot noir, just popped and poured although strained, since the cork crumbled a little bit. Fading at the edges, light amounts of sediment, lighter/medium bodied, 13.5% abv. Wife disliked it and found it too old/mature/tertiary for her tastes. I actually think her glass was slightly dirty, since it tasted different from her stem, but once she’s decided she doesn’t like something, that’s just the way it is. The bouquet is not offering much complexity here, maybe some root beer like notes. The palate is still showing some fruit, and earth, with a 20 second or so finish. It’s a solid commercially styled wine, that would have been better when younger. Still I liked it, and it went well enough with a roast bird, mashed potatoes and a salad. It’s a B or B- type of wine today, but perhaps it was better years ago. I’m not sure what the ‘reserve’ labeling really means here, whether that’s estate grapes or actually their better vats etc.