TN: Ott, Continuum, Ojai, Hansel

Last night we had some friends over for Pizza. It was such a nice evening; we sat outside n the back yard on the patio. All wines were consumed non-blind.

2007 Les Domaniers de Puits Mouret Rose (Cotes du Provence)
This is Domaine Ott’s less expensive label. Copper/pink in color, clear and bright. The nose has watermelons and a slight metallic (not bad) note. Medium bodied. On the palate, this has a nice complexity to it. It has shed some of its carefree fruit though. Watermelons and a slight mineral note. Nice way to start an evening. 50+3+12+17+6=88

1992 Randersackerer Ewig Leben Spatburgunder Trocken Franken
Unfortunately, this was pretty much shot. Oxidized with no fruit left. NR.

2005 Continuum
This bottle had been opened earlier in the day. Shimmering ruby/purple in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, pencil lead, damp earth, and a hint of bell pepper. Really classic. Full bodied. On the palate, this was quite open and accessible. Layers of leather and cassis. Medium tannins. Long finish. In the style of the old Mondavi Reserve’s. Still needs time. 50+5+14+18+8=95

2004 Ojai Syrah Whitehawk Vyd.
Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has a slight earthy funk to it. Also some slight VA. Plenty of fruit too. With air, the nose merged leaving black raspberries, barnyard and grilled meats. Full bodied. On the palate, this has that smooth velvety complexity I have come to love in Whitehawk fruit. The texture makes this quite drinkable. Purple fruits with some earthiness. 50+4+13+18+7=92

1997 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir RRC
Light ruby red in color. The nose has earthy cherries to it. Nicely complex. On the palate, this wine is in a great place. Mature. Complex. Not a blockbuster but still with vibrant cherries layered with earth. Nice finish. 50+4+13+17+7=91

Excellent notes, Loren. The Contiuum sounds really awesome. Refined power. The Hansel sounds great, too. I really have had great luck with 1997 Pinots from the Russian River. Some of them have just aged so well.

I have heard (not tasted though) that 2006 Continuum may be better than the 2005, which I enjoyed a lot!

Its funny how perhaps because its a Mondavi project it doesn’t seem to get the publicity other wines get.

People ITB really hate Tim and his brother Michael for the rep that they have bestowed upon their father.

I am not sure what consumers think, but go out to Napa, and you do not hear many good things about them.

I didn’t know Domaine Ott had a second label! I love the premier wines, but they’re rather ridiculously expensive; how much does the Dme. de Puits Mouret cost?

About $20 Ohio.

The 2008 Ott Domaniers has been our go-to rose so far this (dare I say it?) summer. Local retail on Bainbridge Island is $19.99. Seattle wholesale is just under $13.

The Continuum continues to develop and has a long life ahead of it. Good news to hear the 2006 may even be better. The Hansel was very nice and mature. Good time as usual Loren, see you soon.