Probably a bit early for this still. While an '04 Family Farm I tried a few months ago had improved dramatically an '06 Swan I had last night showed much worse than at the last new release dinner. The nose was still very attractive but everyone dumped it after tasting it. I won’t want to touch any '05s or '06s for a while yet.
Well written. Well deserved. I can’t wait to keep waiting on these!
Kevin: how were yields in 2007 for the Alpine vineyards?
Thanks for the kind words!
Our '07 Alpine yields were about 50% of '06. We did slightly better in '08 but yields don’t return to '06 levels until '09.
Oh, the humanity! Please tell me you didn’t dump what was left in the bottle. Next time call me and I’ll race over to rescue it.
btw, great to meet you at the Fest, Jay!
I tried a Rhys last night and I have to say it was not very good. I can’t recall which one, but I was shocked when it was revealed. Served blind, so no bias one way or the other, but it was an oaksickle and I never would have guessed it as pinot. I’ve enjoyed one in the past that Wilfred brought to PKDH, so perhaps they are using more oak now? Not sure.
Whoops - did not see Jay’s note. I drankt he same one as Jay last night.
I tried it again later in the evening after hours in the decantur and was still unimpressed. I guess I’d like to try an older one to see how, or whether they integrate.
keith,
i saw your note in cellartracker a few nights ago and really enjoyed reading it vis-a-vis your previous impressions - truly a testiment to time in the bottle. awesome note! and thanks for taking one for the team.
russ,
what the hell is your new avitar? it makes me want to touch my dog in strange places.
I think it is hit or miss. I had a 2006 Falstaff in August that was quite good, and I don’t remember enjoying it as much at the release dinner.