The Wines of Toad Hollow With Joe Nagan 4/8/2010

Joe Nagan came out from California to share some good wine and anecdotes about Toad Hollow. The evening was very light hearted and humorous. This is a very well established producer. All the wines have a story to be told. Joe has been there since the inception and conversed very easily with the relatively lively crowd. Miss Noelle, the wait, and kitchen staff choreographed their usual small miracle with the timing. Fun was had by all. Joe had a couple of unofficial sample bottles he swore us to secrecy not to mention.

• 2008 Toad Hollow Chardonnay Francine's Selection 87 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County

  Rather distinct for a value orientated Chardonnay. Very smooth and easy drinking. Well made. Delicate. Delightfully simple. Nice bright tropical fruit profile, with an interesting pineapple backed up by some mango and melon. Just enough acid for a crisp finish. Nice. good value.

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• 2008 Toad Hollow Pinot Noir Eye of the Toad 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County

  I have seen some reviews that give this a 92, I can't do that but can give it a solid 89. I do think this wine is pretty distinctive, but still it's a bleed wine, probably from their Rods. I'm sceptical of bleed wines, knowing full why they exist, they have to show me something, and this one does. It is remarkably intense, especially the fruit. Leaves a nice finish. Initially on the palate is a little tannic and rough, but with only 11% alcohol brings a balanced thirst quencher, that does not cost a lot of money. So, I believe.

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• 2006 Toad Hollow Pinot Noir Goldie's Vines 86 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  This is a relatively light Pinot, almost French in style. Another one that seems to have a lot of flavor for the color. Like most Pinot Noirs, the acid profile comes to the forefront, with the fruit and other flavor characteristics following. Also swirling quickly releases some of the fruit. This tastes very "dry". Everything we expect is there, but not in overwhelming quantities. Some light strawberry along with the cherry fruit. Just a little oak. Slightly bitter tannins that may soften with more bottle age. Pretty heavy alcohol at 14.7%. At under $13 not bad at all.

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• 2005 Toad Hollow Pinot Noir Rod's Pride Reserve 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Just enough layers and complexity to get to 90 points. One of those relatively light colored Pinot's that makes you wonder where all that flavor comes from. It tastes big. It has a concentrated spicy, fruity nose, with just a hint of the barnyard. The red fruit; including cranberry, cherry, and redraspberry, is precise and sharp, but at the same time soft and elegant. The French oak aging definitely helps round things out. It is amazing how well this wine handles the 15% alcohol. There is some road tar on the finish.

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• 2005 Toad Hollow Merlot Reserve Richard McDowell Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  I really liked this wine. It was not typical for a California Merlot. It had a texture more like a Pinot, in a good way. The color was that dark magenta. There were sharp concentrated flavors and aromas, on a medium bodied frame. Big nose of floral accented red and dark fruit. Refined flavors of red and dark cherry, mixed with ripe plums. . Balanced acidity with moderate tannins and oak. There was a lingering finish with some chocolate. Almost delicate, this had the feel of a small batch hand made wine. I suspect there may be a hint of "terroir" in this wine and vineyard from vintage to vintage.

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