I have enjoyed the entry level Spindrift PN in the past, though it has been probably 2-3 vintages since I have tasted it.
Just cracked open the 2008 La Grive Bleue and am very glad I gave this producer another chance. I have only had a few sips but I am already flipping over it. I olny bought a 375 and I am trying to fight the urge to gulp it all down now as I think it will benefit from a bit of air.
Scott - Any more specifics on the 2008 La Grive Bleue? I split a case with a few friends, which is en route as we speak. From the 2007 CT notes, for the extra $2-3 above the standard Willamette Valley bottling, this seems like an even better deal (came to $24.75ish with shipping). A little bit more difficult to find, but I’m pretty excited to try this one.
+42
Josh, much different from the WV Bottling. This wine is made in a medium bodied, darker and more brooding style with a kiss of oak. Tasty but not terribly complex at the moment. Some smoke, earth and mineral notes but It’s primarily about dark cherry and raspberry flavors at this point in time. Well balanced with lots of acidity and a fairly long and moderately spicy finish. I think this has enough legs to go for several years and imagine it will gain considerable complexity. I tend to buy a few more to throw in the cellar and find out.
Yikes- very suprised to hear this. This is a go to wine for me, have not cracked any 08 yet. When I first read your notes, I thought maybe the cessation of Seven Springs fruit might have created variance in the wv bottling, but the second note is pretty consistent with what I’ve always tasted.
Good pricing can be found on both OR and CA Pinot.
Lemelson Cuvee X
St Innocent Villages Cuvee
Cameron WV or Dundee Hills
Broadley WV
Cristom Mt Jefferson Cuvee
Windy Oaks Cuvee
McHenry Cuvee
Rivers Marie Sonoma Coast
these are from the top of my head, there are many others. Most of these are sub-$30 rather than sub-$20, but I believe represent excellent bargains.
Not trying to pile on your note. I’ve experienced plenty of wines which hit me in a different way than others. I might suggest you had an off bottle as this seems somewhat inconsistent for the EW track record.
People are drinking and scoring these 08’s way to early. This years vintage is one to put away for a couple of years at least. The wine that folks are tasting today will be completely different in two years, they are all too young.
That is what prompted my statement about the lack of value. Unfortunately, $20.00 or less is the wine world I live in and west coast pinot has not been even remotely rewarding to sample in this price point. I may have just tried the wrong wines but I have been so thoroughly disgusted with the wines for the price that I generally do not consider Pinot unless I am splurging on a more expensive bottle.
Thanks for your list. That will give me a good place to start next time I have a hankering for a decent pinot. I think I have had the Lemlson but nothing else on that list rings a bell.
Not trying to pile on your note. I’ve experienced plenty of wines which hit me in a different way than others. I might suggest you had an off bottle as this seems somewhat inconsistent for the EW track record.
Yeah, I am gonna try it again. Given how good La Grive Bleue was at roughly the same price I am guessing either my bottle or my palate was off that night.
Thanks for the follow up on the La Grive Bleue.
J