November 12, 2014 - One of the greatest value Pinot Noir blends from one of the greatest winemakers of Pinot Noir in California. Ted Lemmon is one of my heroes. Once a bottle is open, I can't stop putting the glass up to my mouth and is gone sooner than I wish.
October 23, 2014 - What a great and masterful 'Burgundy' this is. Decanted for 8 hrs.
Pale red.
Nose of PN spice, interest for the wine enhanced by a touch of Brett and careful barrel treatment. Delicate!
Per os this is one intense and elegant PN of Grand Cru sorts. Fully mature with some more years to go. Intense, elegant and refined. PN spice, strawberries, forest floor, wet autumn leaves and a general mineral component that is enhanced by the vibrancy, yet subdued in its expression. Transparent and behaving almost as a Transformer as it adapted itself to all the courses at absolutely fabulous La Rochelle 'Sanno' tonight.
Btl signed by Ted Lemon. Perfect HQ cork.
Wife: 88p ("Best Bgn ever!")
January 19, 2014 - Ted Lemon is one of the greatest winemakers in California in my opinion. This Anderson Valley blend is a fantastic introduction to his burgundian style for those that don't know what a marvelous artist he is. This vintage is hitting its stride and still has many years of enjoyment left. Don't expect super bright fruit. Instead enjoy its smooth, lush, and deep richness.
December 17, 2010 - Quick TN: Nice but not particularly compelling - some spice and good acidity but the fruit seemed somewhat muted. Outshown by the 2005 Rivers Marie Occidental Vyd. pinot IMO.
September 4, 2010 - Corked
August 18, 2010 - Drank over two nights. Way better the second night after sitting in re-corked bottle over night. Thus, do give this plenty of air. Lots of life left.
October 17, 2009 - Terra Bistro, Vail. Delicious
July 11, 2009 - Forest floor and earth, mushrooms and red fruits. With some air the predominance of the earthy funk dissipated and this wine really drank well. Plenty going on here to age more.
May 12, 2009 - Pretty wine-clear almost bright ruby red. Open and appealing from the start (not decanted) showing rich layers of red fruits balanced nicely with ground tones of moss and mushrooms. In good form now.
September 27, 2008 - Drank at Joyer's house for gathering of the Worthless Palates; theme was Anderson Valley. Along with a Radio-Coteau Savoy, these were my two favorites of the AV Pinots. Red fruit in balance with tannins and acidity; CA Pinot on the nose but with real elegance on the palate. Mid weight, with 14.1 abv. Along with an 01 Burg brought by Ryan Curry and a Copain Eaglepooint Ranch Syrah, these were the 4 best wines for my palate.