TN: a couple of 2003 Pinots from Oregon

WINE TALK
1
  • 2003 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir La Bohème - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Yamhill-Carlton (8/7/2009)
    Rich, full flavors of red raspberries with cherry pie, clove, Christmas spices, and a hint of sweet oak. Not a huge wine, this medium-bodied Pinot still went wonderfully with grilled salmon and wasn’t even embarrassed when it followed a few bites of filet mignon. Drinking well now, there’s no big rush. I’d open between now and 2012. Dominated the 2003 St Innocent Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard it was served alongside. (89 pts.)
  • 2003 St. Innocent Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (8/7/2009)
    Bing cherries, mushroom, soy, in this light bodied wine. Pronounced acidity is a little off putting without some bigger flavors to balance it out and was certainly overpowered by grilled salmon and veggies. Judging by CT notes from a few years back and by this particular bottle, I’d say this wine’s best days are behind it. Drink up. Tasted alongside 2003 Elk Cove Pinot Noir La Boheme which was significantly better. (84 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

2

Thanks for the note. I think most 03s have their best days behind them but only time will tell. I dislike how most of them are drinking right now so what I have left will just stay buried … for science.

btw I usually skip the White Rose.

Jason

3

Acting on the advice of an Oregoinan who knows what I prefer in PN, I only bought one case of OR 2003’s, all Cameron. Recently finished off the last of four Gherts. These were all good from the first one just after release to the last in June. I drank the first Abbey Ridge of six last week. It was a bit closed up and did not offer much until it got a lot of air. Definitely bigger and darker than usual but well balanced w/o any stewed or pruny flavors or aromas. It seems poised to improve. I enjoyed this and will look forward to open the next in 2010. I’ve not tried one of the two Clos Electrique whites I have. 2003 was in most instances, not my kind of vintage.

David [drinkers.gif]