PRIMA's Annual Pinot Noir Extravaganza
Tasted May 17, 2011 by soyhead with 531 views
Introduction
Organized by Brian, attending were Brian, Cindy, Rocky, Reed, Errol, Lisa, Patricia, Doug, and Bill.
Delicious dinner menu as follows: Antipasta - Timballo of Maine Lobster, Day Boat Scallop, Black Truffle and Mascarpone Meyer Lemon-Chervil Sauce. Primi Piatti - Risotti with english Peas, Porcini Muschrooms and Parmigianio Reggiano. Piatti del Giorno - Sonoma Duck Breast and Leg with Lavender, Honey and Raspberry Chard in Soffritto and Smoked Bacon. Dolce - tasted Pistachio Charlotte with Strawberry Compote. Lovely food (as usual for PRIMA). With winemakers or representatives in attendance, the wines were presented in alphabetical order presumably so not to offend anyone or sanction judgement.
Flight 1 (1 note)
mouth- initially a suggestion of strawberry, then a rather bitter midpalate, and a crisp finish that reminded me of a racy white. An oddball wine.
Flight 2 (1 note)
mouth - juicy and fresh, but rather simple, i prefer my chardonnay with a bit more zip.
Flight 3 (1 note)
mouth - lively red fruit, and overall good acidity. a nice wine that lacks complexity or mouthfeel to make it into something more special.
Flight 4 (1 note)
Flight 5 (1 note)
mouth - this was the biggest pinot of the tasting, and possibly also had the smoothest mouthfeel. Overall very round. The fruit though seemed to be hiding, and i think overall this wine is unevolved at this stage. This would be one to age for 5 years. If it doesnt develop complexity, then in retrospect it will rank as an overpriced disappointment
Flight 6 (1 note)
Flight 7 (1 note)
mouth - a sweet fruit-oaky cuvee with nice midpalate spice. I think the fruit here can actually stand up to the oak. I think many people would like this style and my score may be conservative. Potentially will be better with some bottle age.
Flight 8 (1 note)
mouth - very delicate fruit, lightish, almost like ice tea. I am most curious if this will age well. My WOTN
Still getting mental whiffs of it the following morning - the sign of a very good wine.
Flight 9 (1 note)
mouth - fine, fairly simplistic fruit
Flight 10 - And the following bonus library wine was thrown in: (1 note)
mouth - spicey yet suave, delicious, and paradoxically more tannic than most the othe 08/09 pinots at the tasting. lip smacking good.
Closing
Overall, the wines were fine, but unless I'm getting too Burgundy snobbish here I think they all lacked much by way of mouthfeel and complexity. Perhaps they are too young? I think the consensus favorites were the Sequana, Scherrer, and Moshin. Brian broke down and bought a bunch as usual. At the relatively high prices that everyday pinots go for, I think the Sequana stands out as an excellent QPR, but only if you're down with the funk. Moshin also apparently sells a unique cuvee at Costco (Danville) which is probably well priced and worth trying.