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2006 Holdredge Pinot Noir Wren Hop - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (10/15/2009)
14.6% alcohol. Decanted. Solid red color. Lovely nose of red and black cherry, beautiful rose petal notes, spice, and minerals. In the mouth, a texturally lovely wine that also retained a freshness about it. Beautifully pure fruit on the palate, with undertones of earth, rose petals, and baking spice. Bright acidity. Long finish with a hint of oak. This is delightful. A-
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2006 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Special Cuvée - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (10/15/2009)
14.5% alcohol. Decanted. Light red color. Classic RRV from the nose to the palate. Aromas of black cherry and baking spice jump from the glass. In the mouth, quite rounded and very pleasant. Black cherry and blackberry fruit leads to baking spice, minerals, and good acidity. Solid finish. An excellent expression of the region. A-
Posted from CellarTracker
I had the 2007 version of the Holdredge Hop Wren and I guess my Oregon palate is showing, because (sorry John) I found it to be almost undrinkable because of the candied fruit.
No offense taken. If I did take offense, I’d say “no wine for you, one year”. But since you don’t buy my wines, that would be pretty hollow.
Seriously, were I choosing one of my Pinots for someone with an “oregon palate”, the 2007 is the last one I’d choose. In fact, while I like it, of the 2007’s it is my least favorite because it is the ripest one (although “candied” is a bit harsh dude- it’s only 14.7 which is big by Oregon standards, but hardly a behemouth, and while fruit forward to be sure, “candied” is not the word that comes to mind for me, and it does have a respectable [IMHO] Ph of 3.59 and TA of .63 mg/100ml, so it is hardly a blowzer). And damnit, consumers seem to love it, so I guess that’s what counts.
Next time I’ll send over my 100% whole cluster, all pigeage, wild yeast, pressed in a basket press, 13.2% alcohol Pinot aptly named “Old School”- with it’s acid reminiscent of sharks with laser beams. It wont be for everyone- but you and I might do just fine with it.
John- thanks for the thoughts on the 07 WH. Since we now have fall in Tampa- low 80’s- perfect time to check in on one this weekend by the fire…
Oh yeah … the Old School … John, is that coming out in the next offer? That’s some tasty stuff. Of course, I dig the 07 Wren Hop … love how floral the vineyard is.
Ok Bob, it was candied. Fine. You win. Bastard.
Very magnanimous of you, John.
I ordered two bottles of the 08 Old School pinot at The Ranch in Anaheim on Saturday. Some friends talked my wife into dragging me to the country dancing saloon portion. I’m not really a dancer, or a country western guy, but I had the presence of mind to look on the wine list for the adjoining steakhouse, they carried the 08 Old School, and I happily had my server bring us two bottles, which we drained pretty easily over the several hours there. Good stuff, a nice mix of strawberry type fruit with quite high acidity. It wasn’t super complex (or maybe I just wasn’t able to focus on that as a parade of hot gals in little skirts and cowboy boots paraded by?), though that might develop with more age, but it was quite enjoyable and good value off their list at $68.