THREE 2006 VERY NICE OREGON PINOTS - (4/21/2012-4/23/2012)
In the spring of 2007 I made an extensive tour of the Willamette Valley attempting to visit all of the producers there that my employer represents (plus a few I had my sights on). From Gaston to Eugene and back up to West Linn I hiked vineyards, dug holes and wrote hundreds of notes on the wines of the 2006 vintage which had mostly finished their malos and were ready for blending and bottling. Ironically at several wineries there were opened bottles of all of their 2005s to be tasted. It turns out, I happened to be following Dr. BigJ around for a few days as he was there to taste the newly released 2005s from bottle. All said, I am a big fan of the vintage and bought heavily on behalf of my firm (and on behalf of myself). The 2006 vintage was delicious right from barrel and when released brought quite a few folks into the fold. I enjoyed these three wines over the last three nights.
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2006 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir Mt. Richmond - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (4/21/2012)
Decanted 1.5 hours. No sediment. Medium color that’s bright and young looking. Ripe, forward nose of black cherries with a touch of leafy herbs and earth. The flavors are luscious, forward and open for business. Dark cherry, black plum and sweet spice flavors are lifted by supporting acidity and a bit of grip. The finish is long and complete. A really nice 2006. Drink now through 2014. (92 pts.)
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2006 Sineann Pinot Noir Schindler - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (4/22/2012)
Decanted 1 hour. Deeply colored with a clear rim. The aromas leap from the glass with sweet and exotic spices, black cherry skin and some garden soil. The flavors are deep, dark but vibrant with black pit fruit and a hint of chocolate, cola and sweet berry liqueur. All the components are in harmony and the finish is very long and a touch warm. Serve on the cool side now through 2015. A real sexy and delicious bottle! (91 pts.)
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2006 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Four Winds - USA, Oregon, Yamhill County (4/23/2012)
Decanted 1 hour. Medium-light color with a wide clear rim. Bright, high-toned aromas of cinnamon, Asian spices and dried cranberries are fine and complex with a touch of Burgundian funk. Bright and firm on entry with enough sweet fruit for balance. Spiced red cherries, mouth-watering acidity and a touch of tannin lead to a focused and well delineated finish. This is very different from any of the other 2006 Oregon Pinots I’ve had lately in that is seems to be firming up since the last look I had (1 year ago). This was my favorite from cask in Ms. Green’s barn in the spring of 2007 and I think it has a long life ahead of it. 92 points tonight with a very good potential for positive development. Try again in 2014 and expect good things to come for several years after that. (92 pts.)
I remain an unrepentant fan of the vintage at most of the better addresses. As Burt Williams reportedly told Matt Kramer “Nobody ever went wrong drinking a Pinot Noir when its six years old.” Sage advice, indeed. Particularly from such a luscious, sexy vintage.
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