TNs: A whole bunch of recent stuff.

WINE TALK
#1
  • 2005 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir Russian River Selection - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (3/14/2010)
    14.1% alcohol. Another year, another step of positive development for this wine. Reticent at first on the nose, but it opened up to show classic Russian river notes of black cherry, spice, and minerals. In the mouth, great life, with a zingy tang to the black cherry fruit. The spice component takes a turn toward the floral, then runs into the minerality of a strong acidic streak. Long, smooth finish that perhaps packs a bit less power than one might expect from the palate presence. A-
  • 2006 Inman Family Pinot Noir Thorn Road Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (3/14/2010)
    14.4% alcohol. In the same place as previously. A light red color, with very pretty red and black cherry on the nose, along with a floral note. In the mouth, there is something so pure and graceful about this wine, but it’s flashier and more open than the OGV Estate bottling. Bright acidity. So much life. Long finish. A-
  • 2007 Siduri Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (3/14/2010)
    14.3% alcohol. It’s nice to see how much this wine has opened up in the past year. Rich bouquet of black cherry and baking spice, with a baritone note to the fruit. In the mouth, it’s palate-coating and exuberant. There’s almost something playful and child-like about this wine’s enthusiasm. That’s not to say it’s simplistic. The fruit is terrific and pure, with baking spice and mineral notes. The texture is plush, with gentle acidity. Long finish. Terrific stuff. A-
  • 2002 Saisons des Vins (Copain) Syrah l’Hiver - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County (3/13/2010)
    14.1% alcohol. Wow, this is really pretty and totally ready to go. A mineral, meaty edge to the bright blue fruits soars from the glass. In the mouth, a mix of blue and black fruit that is powerfully but elegantly styled. Very expressive. Tremendous purity and balance. Bright acidity still. A smooth, creamy finish that just sails on. Terrific. A-
  • 2006 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Saralee’s Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (3/13/2010)
    14.3% alcohol. Very light pink color, almost like a rose. Pretty nose of red cherry, flowers, and minerals. Elegant in the mouth, with great purity and red fruit. In a bit of a tight phase right now, as the acidity clamps down a touch in the center palate and the finish is slightly clipped. B+
  • 2006 Nicolas Potel Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Gerard Potel - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne (3/13/2010)
    13.0% alcohol. Red cherry color. Structured nose of red cherry and cranberry, iron, minerals, and spice. In the mouth, elegant but with power behind it. Slightly tart edge to the fruit, with earth and spice notes. Strong acidity and a touch drying on the finish. Still needs a bit of time but very elegant and tasty. B+/A-
  • 2006 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir San Mateo County - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, San Mateo County (3/12/2010)
    13.8% alcohol. Just rocking on this day. Pretty red and black cherry on the nose, with a touch of steminess and plenty of spice. In the mouth, linear and lively, with bright fruit and structure that awakens your palate. The complexity is deep, and the acidity is racy. Strong finish. Drinking very well with another few years of upside, too. A-

Posted from CellarTracker

#2

Tom: re-read your Copain note, and than look at your score. “A-”!!!

If you ever start teaching, remind me to not put my kids in your class!

#3

Yup. A-. I liked it a lot. But there’s a lot of room in that A- category. No grade inflation here. Or perhaps only so much. Don’t worry, John, I’ll become a teacher just to give your awesome kids A’s.

#4

Tom, what percentage of your cellar is from California?

#5

If Tom were a law professor I’m not sure if I’d take the class and hope for a sure thing A- or B+ or take something else with a shot at that A/A+. With wine scoring though, I think this is a great system. The wines really have to earn the top top scores.

Great notes Tom. My only disagreement is with that 05 Gary Farrel RRV that I was pretty unimpressed with. To each his own.

#6

You’ve heard of 200% oak haven’t you? [wink.gif]

Tom, thanks for the TN on the Gary Farrell. I’m still not sure when to pop my only one.

RT