TN: Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve 2004

WINE TALK
1

I decided to continue my pretty decent drinking streak by opening a bottle of this tonight. Popped and poured it was ruby red in color. Nose was alright, on the earthy side with smoke and spices, black cherry, and a touch of green pepper. It was pretty rich on the palate with moderate acidity. Notes of cranberry and orange peel and a long spicy finish.

Overall it was pretty good, but maybe not worth the price. I think it is drinking well now, opened up a little with air, but I’m not sure I would hold on to any bottles for the long term. It was a toss up between this or checking in on a Mt. Eden P/n. I’m glad I chose this since I know I want those to age more.

2

3 hours after opening it is a chocolate/raspberry thing going on. the fruit is less dense on the palate and the acidity has come up. I think i liked it better when it was just opened.

I’m not sure that I’m ready to vote this better than DRC…

3

I’m opening a 2005 for my sons 26th birthday in a couple of weeks at Fairway in NYC.
He bought it for me for Fathers Day 2008. Nice of me to open it and share with him, my wife, and my pinot specialist daughter. [cheers.gif]

4

sounds like a great time. Post a note. i haven’t had the 05, hope it shows well

5

Boy, I hear that. That whole DRC/Domaine Serene competition reeked of bias and favoritism. I’ll be the first to challenge DRC’s mindblowing prices, but to assert that DS’ whole catalog was on par with or superior to DRC is just… what’s the word I’m looking for? Ludicrous? Self-serving? Laughable?

Melissa and I tasted at the winery a few years ago. We were underwhelmed by the wines and put off by the hype and glitz of the place.

6

I thoroughly enjoyed the 05 when we opened it a few weeks ago. I also have some single vineyard 05s. They run a top notch operation.

My note:

4/25/2009 rated 94 points: A White Burgundy Followed By 3 Blind Reds (Philadelphia): Really exquisite. The only thing holding this back from being a truly remarkable wine is the little bit of heat on the nose, which also returns at the finish. Really complex nose of oak, spice fruit, bramble, underbrush, ripe cherries and a touch of bubble gum. Again, there is a also a smidge of heat. The oak frames the wine well and will integrate over the next few years. Initially, maybe a bit astringent on the palate but very smooth. Well integrated fruit. An excellent and long finish marred only by a nip of heat. Truly excellent effort. (693 views)

7

The 04 wasn’t showing any heat on the nose or palate for me. It started off pretty cool from my cellar so that have helped.