TNs: Tale of two Alesias

WINE TALK
1
  • 2006 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir San Mateo County - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, San Mateo County (2/2/2010)
    13.8% alcohol. Corked! Nuts! NR (flawed)
  • 2004 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir Sonatera Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/29/2010)
    14.2% alcohol. Slight funk on the nose. By no means overly bretty. Dark red color. Lovely nose of almost jammy black cherry, spice, and flowers. In the mouth, surprisingly weighty, with a richness to the palate that wasn’t there a year ago. The acidity has smoothed out, and the wine generally has opened up and is ready for business. Delightfully delicious. A-

Posted from CellarTracker

2

Thanks, Tom. I loved the Sonatera back on release and then it started to go through some wacky cycles for a while. I held off on mine hoping everything would right itself in time. Glad to hear the wine is coming out on the other side now…

By the way, I really like the funk on this one–probably one of my favorite aspects of the wine.

-Michael

3

I think that there was some serious bottle variation on the 2004 Sonaterra. The first bottle that I opened almost immediately after release had some brett but was drinkable; my second bottle about six months ago was a sh!tpit and utterly undrinkable (Kevin reached out and replaced it). I kind of dread my remaining bottle, but perhaps I will get lucky. The other 2004s that I have had have been very good however.

4

I don’t mind a little funk at all … and my bottles of Sonatera were all fairly clean. I think the middle bottle perhaps was the most affected; I’m not thinking perhaps it was just a little off. But this was enjoyable. The texture of the wine was great.

5

my 2 Sonatera hit the drain in September. poopy messes.

6

Sorry to hear about the cork Tom.

Bottle of Sonatera in Dec 2007 was acceptable. Some reduction but not particularly bad, slightly oaky and a tad fat for my palate. Need to start working through my Chileno’s. Any suggestions as to what’s most ready: 04, 05, or 06?

RT

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Richard – the 04 should be drinking pretty well. I’ve kept a lockdown on the 05s and 06s because I just want to let them sleep.

Corked bottles make me weep just a little. Had been on a pretty good streak of late, but, over the past three years, I can never get below 5% corked. They always come in streaks, 3-4 at a time.

8

A corked bottle of the San Mateo! Say it ain’t so…

Tom - I guess you should just pick up another case and try your luck with 12 more beauties.