The Sandler 2005 is really showing well. The oak has integrated nicely, and it’s just beginning to sing. I love Ed’s wines. More props to Adam Lee for his awesome juice. And you can never go wrong with Carlisle …
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2005 Sandler Wine Company Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/25/2009)
14.5% alcohol. This really has come into its drinking window. A delicious wine that has shed the copious oak of its youth. Still a deep black cherry color, with a nice bouquet of rich black cherry and blackberry fruit, earth, and light minerality. In the mouth, quite round and plush, with a juicy quality to the fruit, good acidity, and a long finish. A- -
2008 Inman Family Pinot Gris - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (5/25/2009)
14.1% alcohol. A trying vintage for this vineyard, but the results are strong. Flinty, citrus fruit notes on the nose. In the mouth, lively and refreshing, as in past vintages. Perhaps missing a slight bit of the verve of the wonderful 2007, but a worthy wine of the pedigree indeed. B+/A- -
2003 Tandem Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley (5/24/2009)
14.7% alcohol. Showing even better than the last bottle. This was gorgeous, with soaring red and black cherry fruit on the nose, along with spice and earth. In the mouth, full of fruit and lively structure, cutting a laser-like swath across the palate before fanning out generously on the finish. Delicious and juicy Pinot. A- -
2006 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (5/24/2009)
15.9% alcohol. Big, brambly, luscious nose of black fruit, spice, and earth. Surprisingly nice structure in the mouth, just an impressive wine all around. Compared to the first bottle a few months ago, though, this has closed down. Time to button these up for a little while. They’re evolving. A- -
2006 Novy Family Wines Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (5/24/2009)
14.7% alcohol. Big, brambly nose that has a tightness about it. With air, though, the fruit profile really opens up to be so endearing. More linear than voluptuous for a Zin, with great focus and purity. Lovely, long finish. A- -
2006 Siduri Pinot Noir Willamette Valley - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (5/24/2009)
14.1% alcohol. Really hard to find better value than this wine right now. It’s so inexpensive, but it delivers a purity of fruit, balance in structure, attractiveness of texture, and level of complexity you have enough difficulty finding even in higher-end bottlings. A- -
2004 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma County - USA, California, Sonoma County (5/23/2009)
13.8% alcohol. This wine is drinking beautifully. Lovely cherry color, with a terrific bouquet of black cherry, cherry pie, baking spice, and minerals. In the mouth, a lovely texture that is framed by full cherry fruit flavors, hints of earth and spice, and racy acidity. A bit clipped on the finish, but an awfully nice drink. B+/A-
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