Some Pinots and Syrahs

Last night I supported a friends fundraiser. All wines were served single blind (we knew what was in the flight but not which wine was which) and enjoyed over the course of 3.5 hours. It was a lot of fun and enjoyable to try some of these wines vis-a-vis their peers. We started off with a Bellweather Sparkling Cider (Lord Scuttelmore) from NY State. It was enjoyable and refreshing.

• 2007 MacPhail Pinot Noir Vagon Rouge 89 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

  Pale ruby in color, a bit light. The nose is earthy which I like, but candied which I don't. Some forest floor notes. Slightly tart. Cranberries and cherries. A hint of complexity. A bit of heat on the finish. Nice wine, but lacking and never really got better.

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• 2007 A.P. Vin Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard 87 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

  Ruby in color, shimmering. The nose is red candied apples. Maybe some black licorice. I like the nose. On the palate, simple cherry candy. Some heat on it. George thought this got better as the night went on, I did not notice it. I like lighter pinots, but this was too candied for my tastes to be great. Certainly good though.

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• 2007 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Aubaine Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Grande Valley

  Purple in color with some ruby, mostly clear and bright. The nose has cherries and a floral note (Lilacs?). Nice texture. Firm tannins. Dark cherries with some heat. Probably bigger than I like, but within a range that this was my POTN.

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• 2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  The groups POTN, but still too big for my tastes. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is huge with dark cherries, and a dusty charcoal note. On the palate, this is tart with dark cherries. The most well balanced of the Pinots. Just a bit too amped for my tastes, but very well made.

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• 2006 Rudius Syrah Emerald Pool Alder Springs Vineyard 89 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County

  Purple/ruby in color. The nose has black olives (almost N. Rhoneish) with black raspberries. Medium bodied. On the palate, black raspberry with black pepper. Alcohol showing but not too out of balance. Nice wine and the cooler climate aspect was evident.

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• 2006 Booker Vineyard Syrah Fracture 30 88 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  This was good but more in the sense that the parts were good, but the wine needs some time perhaps to come together. i found it more pieces parts. Purple in color. The nose has boysenberries, bacon fat and bourbon. On the palate, boysenberries with a gamey note. Some charcoal. Heat on the finish. The bourbon note was something we all picked up on and was a bit odd. I bet this is better in a year or so.

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• 2006 Sine Qua Non Syrah Raven Series 93 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast

  Possibly the biggest disappointment for many and yet it was an outstanding wine IMO. Yet, when you factor in the price (and I am not sure that makes sense), I would also hope for me. Perhaps though this was not a pristine bottle either. In any event, I liked this wine more than the group. Purple, ruby at the core. The nose has a heavy dose of what we call charred oak. Lots of black raspberries. Great texture (best of any wine this night). Complexity really comes out on the finish. Lots of fruit. Certainly needs more time. A controversial wine for the group.

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• 2006 Carlisle Syrah James Berry Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Wow. This wine was wonderful. Purple in color, shimmering bright. The nose is black raspberry, black olives and pepper. Great texture. Lots of tannins. Lots of Kirsch notes. Long tannic finish with some anise. Needs time but I loved this.

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• NV Yalumba Antique Rare Tawny 50 Years Museum Reserve 92 Points

  Australia, New South Wales

  Iced tea color. The nose has marzipan, toffee but a lot of alcohol fumes. On the palate, toffee and also those milk chocolate candies in the shape of oranges that you can eat by the slice (if you know those). Viscous. Very long finish. Nice finish to a nice evening.

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