TN: Several '04 Oregon Pinots -- Sineann, Lemelson, Broadley

WINE TALK
1

Following several recent posts raising questions about the potential longevity of '04 Oregon Pinots, I put several on deck, in order to see how several that I have are doing.

First up were two ('04 Sineann Resonance and '04 Lemelson Resonance) served single blind during a belated New Years dinner with several friends last weekend.

Bottle #1: Translucent bright red color, with explosive, inviting nose of candied red fruit. The forward fruit follows through on the palete along with a minor touch of heat, giving way to a medium finish. An enjoyable easy drinking Pinot. 89 points for me.

Bottle #2: Dusty purple color starting to show signs of bricking at the edges. Subdued red fruit nose combined with a touch of sous bois. More structured and complex than Bottle #1. Noticable tannins, but not obtrusive, giving way to a long finish. This, clearly, could use more time, but is showing nicely now. 92 points for me.

The table was evenly divided regarding preference. Mine was, obviously, for Bottle #2. My guess was that Bottle #2 was the Lemelson . . . and . . . I was wrong. headbang Bottle #1 was the Lemelson and Bottle #2 was the Sineann. A nice showing by both, but the Sineann was a step up, IMHO.

Tonight, '04 Broadley Willamette Valley Estate Pinot Noir. Medium purple color. No signs of bricking. Darker fruited nose, with the start of secondary flavor development on the palate. Notes of forest floor, refined tannins and reasonable acidity culminating with a respectable finish. This has always been an impressive $23 Pinot, IMHO. And, tonight is no exception. Between my wife and I, it did not last long. 91 points for me.

Overall, I’ve been very happy with these '04’s.

2

Interesting. From your notes, I picked Lemelson then Sineann, mostly on your descriptions of the color. Lemelson wines are rarely dark. Sineann wines usually are, in my experience. Lemelson wines seem more aromatic but less intense. Sineann the opposite. Haven’t had these wines recently, but from your descriptions, I think I really got a sense of them.

3

Great notes!

To restate my earlier position, the 04s are still doing quite nicely with easily another 3-5 years of good life, in some cases lots more.

I believe that 06 was the last year for the Resonance Vineyard for Lemelson. Bob or Vincent may know for sure, but I think that is the vineyard that they stopped buying fruit from.

4

Thanks for the notes. Fun stuff. We just finished drinking the 04 St Innocent Anden which clearly needs more time. I’ll post a note soon.

Jason

5

Nice job Greg. My impression of the 04 Sineann Resonance was different (agree with Vincent about expected characteristics), but I also had it with a larger more diverse line-up. Glad you found some 04s to enjoy.

RT

6

I don’t have a lot of experience with the 2004s (or Oregon pinots, for that matter but I try to buy a variety each vintage), but I recently opened a 2004 Patty Green Croft Vyd. and my impression was that it was pretty tightly wound and is in need of more time.

7

I think the 2004s were highly under-rated. I am a big fan of many. The 2004 Domaine Drouhin was much better than the 2006. I think some of the 2004 Cristoms are very good. I really like the 02, 04, and 05s.

8

We’re sitting on 04s from Belle Pente, Bergstrom, Cameron, Cristom, Penner-Ash, Willakenzie, and Witness Tree. Sounds like several of these can (and probably should) sleep for a few more years.

9

Steve, I’m down to about 12 producers for 04s. Planning to age some Cristom, Evesham, St.I and Witness Tree. Most of the rest will likely be sacrificed. Need room for 08s.

RT

P.S.: Oh yeah, a few Thomas for longer term as well.

10

So you evidently got his entire production, huh? [good.gif]

Those Thomas bottles are hard to come by.

11

Interesting observation on the color. While I have multiple bottles from both producers, over several vintages, this is probably the first time that I have had them side-by-side. I had not picked-up on the producer specific color differences before.

12

The Broadley was my last one. With that, I’m down to 10 producers for '04’s. My guess is that we have at least a few that are the same. Don’t know which Witness Tree you have, but the '04 Vintage Select is a keeper for sure.