Retail $80. Heavy Bottle (678g; 1lb 7.9oz). A wine that I purchased before I started my blog more than twelve years ago and this is the second of the three bottles that we have popped. As I mentioned before, this is "dark, big, and juicy, which is not a surprise given that the wine was made by the Wagner family, who also make Caymus (I won't go into my thoughts on that wine here). Dark red fruit, a bit of eucalyptus on the nose, and the palate is fairly big and beefy, thick and rich, a touch of smoke, and a whole lot of dark fruit." Given the lineage, I really did not want to like this wine. Like a lot. But I do. Like a lot. Sure, there are more ethereal Pinots out there, more wines driven by a sense of place, but if you want a full-throttle, gangbusters Pinot? Yeah, this one works, for sure.
Deep dark ruby, open nose with dark fruits dominating, full bodied black currants and cherries lead, great balance, with fully resolved tannins, long strong finish, excellent but time to drink up.
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Garnett in color with notes of blackberry, black raspberry, baked cherry, gelatin, oak and spice in the form of pie crust and butter very fruit forward and delicious. With a long balanced finish and more humid earth notes. Drink now-2025.
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I really like Belle Glos wines and put this bottle back a few years ago just to see how it would age. It took an hour or so to open up but got better as it went and was even better the second day. If there are any more bottles out there, you have something to look forward to.
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I was looking for a sweeter pinot tonight to serve with roasted acorn squash and salmon in a cherry rub. Delivered as expected. Some sweet cherry notes and a hefty amount of brown sugar on the palate. Big, ripe and sweet, not much finesse. Added a bit more complexity after the bottle was open for an hour. This vintage has a few years left at this level.
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Another wine that I purchased before I started my blog almost eight years ago and this is the first of the three bottles that wee have popped. Dark, big, and juicy, which is not a surprise given that the wine was made by the Wagner family, who also make Caymus (I won't go into my thoughts on that wine here). Dark red fruit, a bit of eucalyptus on the nose, and the palate is fairly big and beefy, thick and rich, a touch of smoke, and a whole lot of dark fruit. To be honest, this is much more akin to a syrah than a Pinot, but I have to admit, I kinda like it. thedrunkencyclist.com
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Decanted for 30 minutes. Cherry, plum, earth and spice aromas and flavors. Rich and ripe on the palate with fine tannins. Very long finish. Medium to full bodied. Served with honey glazed ham.
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This is a beautiful pinot noir. It has been three years since I last tied a bottle and I served it last night with the oven roasted salmon. Red fruit on the nose. The palate is dark cherry, red plum, a hint of baked apple and some baking spices which come out on the smooth, full finish.
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In a great spot. Some slight heat lingering on the finish but this is open for business. Cherries, strawberries, herbs, and a bite of spice with a great mouth-feel into a nice finish. If you like the style drink away. If you don't like the style, just pretend it's not Pinot and enjoy a well made wine.
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I didn't want to love such a big pushy Pinot but this is just too sexy to deny. Judicious new oak meets its match in kapow juicy ripe fruits that also have depth and balance.
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Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 0.5 hour. Aromas of cherry, plum, vanilla cream soda, forest floor and spice. Palate echos the nose. Leads to a medium to long finish. Medium bodied with a velvety texture. Paired well with pork tenderloin with a mustard and sage sauce.
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Well, unlike the most recent posts below, I was very disappointed in the bottle of this I had last night. The fruit was fading and there was very little finish. I guess this doesn't age very well.
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You know how it is when you see an old friend who you haven't seen in a long time and it's like no time passed at all, in fact, even better than how great you remembered? Yes, that's Las Alturas for me. The heights of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Welcome back, my friend. Let's do this more often.
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I drink pinot once or twice a year and this one surely did not disappoint with the thanksgiving meal. Fruit forward integrated tannins with a full bodied dry finish. Paired very well with all the side dishes also. Probably has 2-3 years left if well cellared but absolutely delicious now, drink up with some white meats.
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One of my go-to Pinots. A very dark, fruit forward Pinot with a hefty body and silky texture. Cherry, blackberry and plum with some coffee-like bitterness to boot. The finish lingers for several minutes. I would recommend it most on its own or with some game meats.
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Nice nose of red fruit and flowers, the palate was strawberry, red plums, a touch of cinnamon and smoke, really nice finish. We drank as an aperitif wine and it was totally enjoyable. I am glad I have more.
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I have been impressed with the 2009's. There is more depth and interest that I experienced in the 2008's. This is a large, robust wine that somehow manages to stay light and delicate in the right ways. Cherry and plum nose with a hint of floral. Palate is very interesting with sweet smoke infusing ripe red cherry with enough acidity to keep it from becoming fat. Good finish.
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Wonderful dark ruby colour, nose of black currant, earth and cedar, black cherries dominate the taste with a touch of spice. Medium to full body, very well balanced, smooth silky tannins, long finish. Drinking well but will likely continue to develop for the next couple of years.
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Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 1.5 hours. Bouquet of red cherry, wild berries, forest floor, cedar and spice. Red and black fruit core of cherry and berries with spice notes and soft, fine tannins. Leads to a long, smooth finish. A fruit forward style of Pinot. Medium to full bodied. Paired with pork chops and a cherry and port wine sauce.
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Delectable. Fulsome Santa Lucia Pinot Noir a la Belle Glos. I find Las Alturas a tad more elegant and tannic compared to the Clark & Telephone of the same vintage. But every bit its equal in delightful drinking.
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Dark red color. Splash decanted back and forth. Drank 2 glasses with dinner. this was quite similar to the previous bottle and showing well. ripe fruits, black cherry, black raspberry, vanilla, spice. Deedp and layered on the palate with dark berry and cherry fruit, much less oak now, spiced spiced finish. Definitely better and more restrained than more recent vintages.
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First of three 2009s. This was my 2nd rated. PnP. Soft, feminine, elegant, satiny. Lovely fruit and by soft tannins. Perfect to drink now and I'd guess not a long cellar life. Very enjoyable.
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Richer and darker than 09 Martinelli Lolita drank earlier. After warming up and opening up (opened straight from 57 degree cellar) this was nice drinking. Will get better with a little age but nothing wrong here.
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Having lost the vibrancy of youth this wine came across as a bit clunky and heavy tonight. Some dull, dusty fruit comes through the midpalate and the finish is without much definition or distinction. Could not hold it's own against the Peay or Dehlinger
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Candied cherries, tobacco, chocolate, raspberries on the nose. Delicious red fruit driven Pinot emblematic of the new world Cali Pinot style. Silky going down, I can not stop drinking this glass. Great tannins, not as acidic as a cherry tart Pinot, but a nice profile none the less. Medium to long finish. So good.
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Red fruit-driven (raspberry, strawberry, cassis) driven Cali PN, both in nose and on pallette. Very accessible new world PN that California Cab lovers might enjoy for a change of pace.
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Very nice aroma and taste of fruit, berries, this wine has evolved nicely every few of months over the last year; soft fine tannins, and tonight with salmon... what a great combination!
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Wax seal was less of a pain than usual. Nose of strawberry, vanilla and dominant cloves. Not very earthy for a cali Pinot. very soft fruit and tannins. Finish is quite sweet. Very nice new world Pinot. 5+13+16+8=92
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Had it by the glass at legal seafood and was stunned by how good this was. The best pinot I have ever had...period! wonderful fruit upfront and taste like candid apples but not over extracted. The acidity was perfect. I went out and bought a bottle the next day. Prior to this the best pinot i had was the Loring Gary's 2010, but this is even better.
Popped and let breath in the bottle for one hour; consumed over the next several hours. Nose of cherry, dark berries and a hint of earthy spice. More dark berries and spice on the palette. Finish is very long and smooth with ripe tart fruits lingering. Good acidity with mild tannins. Excellent balanced and bold fruit forward Pinot. I will hold my remaining bottles for at least a year to see how this develops.
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Nice bottle of wine. In a hurry and did not decant... a little tight at first - not bad at all though, but it opened up beautifully after about 20 minutes, and really gained momentum over the next hour. Nicely integrated fruit , spice, tannins; very easy to sip or enjoy with food,.. 3rd time with this vintage, consistent notes.
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--- COLOR: Deep velvet purple-garnet NOTE: Had at The Farm with Madricks. Same as last time, with beautiful ripe red fruit saturating the nose & mouth, good sweetness. Next day I noticed a little more of a tart element in the nose & mouth, which was actually refreshing and explained why it pairs with food so well. Great QPR.
DECANT: 2 hr GLASS USED: Small bordeaux TASTE: 9.2 COST: 28 VALUE: 9.0 PREVIOUSLY TASTED: 11/11 TRY AGAIN: now - 2016 PAIRING: The Farm Steak (with bleu cheese topping). Inquiries can be addressed to troypeterson@usa.net ---
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Dark garnet red color. This was a day 2 wine, showing much better integration and balance. This is a pretty big wine, lots of fruit. The nose came off a bit too fruity initially, a little sweet. This settled down nicely with 2+ hours in the decanter. Nose has ripe fruits, black cherry and black raspberry, vanilla, spice, and lots of cedar, with a little earth in thebackground. The palate shows very good depth with layers of dark berry and cherry fruit, oak, and lots of spice at the end. Tart, nice acid, fruit forward. I was worried on opening, but this is young and full of potential.
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This was so very nice and well-balanced. It was like eating really good, but not overly sweet candy. Just so easy to drink. I loved sharing it with my family for the holiday, but wished I had more than only one bottle. I'll definitely look for it again if I can find it around $30-$33.
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Wow is this a good bottle of wine. Classic pinot nose with some cherry, cola, and a hint of spice. On the palate it's all luscious fruit and the finish is a minute long. Highly recommended.
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--- COLOR: Deep garnet, esp deep for a PN. NOTE: Limited tasting at party (got last 2 ounces) and not the right stemware. It's a little outside the normal bounds of PN, but it's got a richness from nose to finish that is just so comforting. Never over the top, full of candied/dried red berry fruits, hints of leather. Very nice and seems like it could last a while even though it's quite a ripe style. Great QPR.
DECANT: None GLASS USED: Chianti? TASTE: 9.2 COST: 28 VALUE: 9.0 PREVIOUSLY TASTED: Early 2011 at Pinot Days, but no note then TRY AGAIN: 2012 - 2016 PAIRING: Pot Roast Inquiries can be addressed to troypeterson@usa.net ---
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Tasted this wine first at Art's store. An excellent Pinot...If it was blind tasting I would think it is Cab...Nice fresh fruit...Packed with fresh cherries and dark chocolate....Some spices...Very fruity...Would get it again....Nice Caymus wine...Well done...
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There was a good amount of heat on the nose as well as on the Finish. It was certainly a nice wine but no where need the quality of the Clark and Telephone and since they are both the same price, I won't be buying this one again.
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Caymus Vineyards Wine Dinner (Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Houston, TX): Ripe cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, and vanilla with nice acidity and good balance. Preferred this to the Clark & Telephone from the same vintage, which I found slightly overripe and lacking acid comparatively.
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Completely underwhelmed by this wine given the pedigree. There were little to no tannins and nothing at all distinguishing that set this apart or made it special. It was all average red fruit and no substance with a short finish. Drank over the course of 5 or so hours 3 of which it spent in the decanter. It did not improve.
This reminded me a lot of many of the sub $20 2009 Beaujolais I have tasted only with much less substance. Will not be buying again.
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Very dark for a pinot....Nose: Wow i could smell this vino all night..Fresh cherries, rasberries, spice and milk chocolate appears after an hour or so which i really enjoyed...Palate: Awesome silky mouthfeel with an explosion of red fruit. This is a big pinot but so well balanced with no heat..This pinot is just delicious and should get better over the next 2 years but is so enjoyable right now..At this price point ($35.00) its a great buy..Cheers!!
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Hard to think of a more delicious wine than this. It brings the same rich, plush satisfaction of the 2008 but (at this point) balances it out a bit with a layer of brighter flavors on initial attack. Behind this are the same slightly-sweet spice notes, cherry pipe tobacco, and enjoyable fruit flavors found in the prior vintage. Dangerously difficult to stop drinking. Highly recommended - back up the truck. Read more...
Nice solid Pinot - richer and darker than tasted earlier in the day from Santa Ynez wineries. Popped & poured at restaurant Root 246 - enjoyable wine that went well with an eclectic dinner of shared appetizers and small plates.
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4/14/2024 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 94 Points
Retail $80. Heavy Bottle (678g; 1lb 7.9oz). A wine that I purchased before I started my blog more than twelve years ago and this is the second of the three bottles that we have popped. As I mentioned before, this is "dark, big, and juicy, which is not a surprise given that the wine was made by the Wagner family, who also make Caymus (I won't go into my thoughts on that wine here). Dark red fruit, a bit of eucalyptus on the nose, and the palate is fairly big and beefy, thick and rich, a touch of smoke, and a whole lot of dark fruit." Given the lineage, I really did not want to like this wine. Like a lot. But I do. Like a lot. Sure, there are more ethereal Pinots out there, more wines driven by a sense of place, but if you want a full-throttle, gangbusters Pinot? Yeah, this one works, for sure.
www.thedrunkencyclist.com
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5/20/2022 - Wine4Life Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep dark ruby, open nose with dark fruits dominating, full bodied black currants and cherries lead, great balance, with fully resolved tannins, long strong finish, excellent but time to drink up.
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5/10/2022 - Chris Keller wrote: 92 Points
Garnett in color with notes of blackberry, black raspberry, baked cherry, gelatin, oak and spice in the form of pie crust and butter very fruit forward and delicious. With a long balanced finish and more humid earth notes. Drink now-2025.
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10/8/2021 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Good, huge and rich, high RS. Faded darker fruit, earth and tobacco. But has aged well for what it is
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9/1/2021 - Wine_in_HD wrote: 95 Points
I really like Belle Glos wines and put this bottle back a few years ago just to see how it would age. It took an hour or so to open up but got better as it went and was even better the second day. If there are any more bottles out there, you have something to look forward to.
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10/1/2020 - wine4lux Likes this wine: 89 Points
I was looking for a sweeter pinot tonight to serve with roasted acorn squash and salmon in a cherry rub. Delivered as expected. Some sweet cherry notes and a hefty amount of brown sugar on the palate. Big, ripe and sweet, not much finesse. Added a bit more complexity after the bottle was open for an hour. This vintage has a few years left at this level.
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12/23/2019 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Huge and rich. Just starting to push the high RS sugar levels I feel Caymus/Wagner wines are now known for. Dark cherry, earth, and dried fruit.
Not bad, just really over the top and lacking some elegance
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10/27/2019 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 90 Points
Another wine that I purchased before I started my blog almost eight years ago and this is the first of the three bottles that wee have popped. Dark, big, and juicy, which is not a surprise given that the wine was made by the Wagner family, who also make Caymus (I won't go into my thoughts on that wine here). Dark red fruit, a bit of eucalyptus on the nose, and the palate is fairly big and beefy, thick and rich, a touch of smoke, and a whole lot of dark fruit. To be honest, this is much more akin to a syrah than a Pinot, but I have to admit, I kinda like it. thedrunkencyclist.com
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4/20/2019 - hoservin wrote: 91 Points
Decanted for 30 minutes. Cherry, plum, earth and spice aromas and flavors. Rich and ripe on the palate with fine tannins. Very long finish. Medium to full bodied. Served with honey glazed ham.
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12/9/2017 - bablues wrote: 90 Points
7th Annual Christmas dinner and cellar raid (Naperville, IL): Part of Christmas wine dinner and cellar raid and didn't take detailed notes. Belle Glos never disappoints.
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12/4/2017 - markcic Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is a beautiful pinot noir. It has been three years since I last tied a bottle and I served it last night with the oven roasted salmon. Red fruit on the nose. The palate is dark cherry, red plum, a hint of baked apple and some baking spices which come out on the smooth, full finish.
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8/26/2017 - hoservin wrote: 91 Points
Popped and poured. Aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, spice and forest floor. Leads to a long finish. Medium bodied. Served with grilled salmon.
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2/28/2016 - Primordialsoup Likes this wine: 92 Points
In a great spot. Some slight heat lingering on the finish but this is open for business. Cherries, strawberries, herbs, and a bite of spice with a great mouth-feel into a nice finish. If you like the style drink away. If you don't like the style, just pretend it's not Pinot and enjoy a well made wine.
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2/7/2016 - lebo9968@gmail.com Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dark garnet color. Definitely new world style. Deep red berry flavors and aromas. Was better than I was expecting. Held up over 3 days.
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9/17/2015 - allisonhathhorn wrote: 88 Points
Strawberries dominate the nose. Very hot in the first hour but tapered somewhat afterwards. Meh.
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8/24/2015 - JPH104 wrote:
Big, extracted. Spicy, oaky, jammy. Heat overwhelms the back end. Not great.
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7/23/2015 - Stevere Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice and abundant cherry fruit, absent of tannins, peaking now.
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5/13/2015 - Grayvino wrote: 89 Points
This wine is still drinking nicely but fruit is beginning to fade. If you have this in your cellar, you might consider popping it.
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4/26/2015 - Rollerball wrote: 92 Points
I didn't want to love such a big pushy Pinot but this is just too sexy to deny. Judicious new oak meets its match in kapow juicy ripe fruits that also have depth and balance.
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3/29/2015 - hoservin wrote: 91 Points
Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 0.5 hour. Aromas of cherry, plum, vanilla cream soda, forest floor and spice. Palate echos the nose. Leads to a medium to long finish. Medium bodied with a velvety texture. Paired well with pork tenderloin with a mustard and sage sauce.
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2/16/2015 - Priorat Lover wrote: 87 Points
Well, unlike the most recent posts below, I was very disappointed in the bottle of this I had last night. The fruit was fading and there was very little finish. I guess this doesn't age very well.
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2/15/2015 - Bowmanifesto wrote: 93 Points
You know how it is when you see an old friend who you haven't seen in a long time and it's like no time passed at all, in fact, even better than how great you remembered? Yes, that's Las Alturas for me. The heights of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Welcome back, my friend. Let's do this more often.
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11/27/2014 - jperez68 Likes this wine: 93 Points
I drink pinot once or twice a year and this one surely did not disappoint with the thanksgiving meal. Fruit forward integrated tannins with a full bodied dry finish. Paired very well with all the side dishes also. Probably has 2-3 years left if well cellared but absolutely delicious now, drink up with some white meats.
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11/22/2014 - lagavulin wrote: 92 Points
One of my go-to Pinots. A very dark, fruit forward Pinot with a hefty body and silky texture. Cherry, blackberry and plum with some coffee-like bitterness to boot. The finish lingers for several minutes. I would recommend it most on its own or with some game meats.
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11/15/2014 - markcic Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice nose of red fruit and flowers, the palate was strawberry, red plums, a touch of cinnamon and smoke, really nice finish. We drank as an aperitif wine and it was totally enjoyable. I am glad I have more.
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10/18/2014 - Grenik Likes this wine: 91 Points
I have been impressed with the 2009's. There is more depth and interest that I experienced in the 2008's. This is a large, robust wine that somehow manages to stay light and delicate in the right ways. Cherry and plum nose with a hint of floral. Palate is very interesting with sweet smoke infusing ripe red cherry with enough acidity to keep it from becoming fat. Good finish.
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9/4/2014 - Bowmanifesto wrote: 92 Points
Ah, Alturas. The heights of Central Coast Pinot Noir. Dark, dreamy, delectable, delightful.
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4/29/2014 - Wine4Life Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wonderful dark ruby colour, nose of black currant, earth and cedar, black cherries dominate the taste with a touch of spice. Medium to full body, very well balanced, smooth silky tannins, long finish. Drinking well but will likely continue to develop for the next couple of years.
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3/16/2014 - hoservin wrote: 91 Points
Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 1.5 hours. Bouquet of red cherry, wild berries, forest floor, cedar and spice. Red and black fruit core of cherry and berries with spice notes and soft, fine tannins. Leads to a long, smooth finish. A fruit forward style of Pinot. Medium to full bodied. Paired with pork chops and a cherry and port wine sauce.
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3/5/2014 - Bowmanifesto wrote: 92 Points
Delectable. Fulsome Santa Lucia Pinot Noir a la Belle Glos. I find Las Alturas a tad more elegant and tannic compared to the Clark & Telephone of the same vintage. But every bit its equal in delightful drinking.
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7/9/2013 - zivagolee Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice. Lots of fruit and very nice finish. Nice medium bodied pinot noir.
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7/6/2013 - GARDEN Likes this wine: 92 Points
We consumed most of two bottles during a Halibut dinner at my brother-in-laws.
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6/30/2013 - rocknroller wrote: 91 Points
Dark red color. Splash decanted back and forth. Drank 2 glasses with dinner. this was quite similar to the previous bottle and showing well. ripe fruits, black cherry, black raspberry, vanilla, spice. Deedp and layered on the palate with dark berry and cherry fruit, much less oak now, spiced spiced finish. Definitely better and more restrained than more recent vintages.
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6/27/2013 - kenv wrote: 88 Points
WCC California Pinot Noir Blind Tasting II (Milestone Restaurant, Glenmont, NY): Slightly medicinal red fruit in the nose and mouth. Interesting, but others seem to like it more than I do. Group #4 WOTN.
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4/3/2013 - JimN wrote: 90 Points
First of three 2009s. This was my 2nd rated. PnP. Soft, feminine, elegant, satiny. Lovely fruit and by soft tannins. Perfect to drink now and I'd guess not a long cellar life. Very enjoyable.
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3/10/2013 - levinml wrote: 92 Points
Richer and darker than 09 Martinelli Lolita drank earlier. After warming up and opening up (opened straight from 57 degree cellar) this was nice drinking. Will get better with a little age but nothing wrong here.
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1/26/2013 - Primordialsoup Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fruit forward but delicate. Lots of beauty in the wines lush fruit and mouthfeel. Soft satisfying finish. Excellent.
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12/27/2012 - elshml@verizon.net wrote: 92 Points
Balanced with a great finish. Very enjoyable.
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12/25/2012 - 6831 wrote: 87 Points
Having lost the vibrancy of youth this wine came across as a bit clunky and heavy tonight. Some dull, dusty fruit comes through the midpalate and the finish is without much definition or distinction. Could not hold it's own against the Peay or Dehlinger
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12/21/2012 - syrahiously wrote: 91 Points
Consistant with previous notes. One bottle left hat I will hold until next spring.
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11/5/2012 - defnefferson wrote: 92 Points
More smoothed out, and the finish isn't as long and complex, but still delicious.
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10/26/2012 - Furry Goat wrote: 90 Points
Candied cherries, tobacco, chocolate, raspberries on the nose. Delicious red fruit driven Pinot emblematic of the new world Cali Pinot style. Silky going down, I can not stop drinking this glass. Great tannins, not as acidic as a cherry tart Pinot, but a nice profile none the less. Medium to long finish. So good.
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9/12/2012 - StainedGlass wrote: 90 Points
Red fruit-driven (raspberry, strawberry, cassis) driven Cali PN, both in nose and on pallette. Very accessible new world PN that California Cab lovers might enjoy for a change of pace.
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9/1/2012 - jtinto wrote: 90 Points
Third bottle of this. In this style it succeeds. Round, lush, full bodied with a dark fruit profile. Some sweetness. Very popular in a mixed crowd.
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8/14/2012 - CR lawrence wrote: 93 Points
Very nice aroma and taste of fruit, berries, this wine has evolved nicely every few of months over the last year; soft fine tannins, and tonight with salmon... what a great combination!
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7/21/2012 - Castle Peak wrote: 91 Points
Very nice.
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7/14/2012 - signotim wrote: 88 Points
big pinot. maybe some grenache in this... showing lots of sweet oak. hopefully will integrate and improve.
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6/16/2012 - Delli Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wax seal was less of a pain than usual. Nose of strawberry, vanilla and dominant cloves. Not very earthy for a cali Pinot. very soft fruit and tannins. Finish is quite sweet. Very nice new world Pinot. 5+13+16+8=92
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4/29/2012 - rjpwine wrote: 90 Points
Drank with friends. Soft fruit, easy drinking with great nose. Not too earthy, light Pinot. Enjoyed by all.
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4/8/2012 - srwatters wrote: 91 Points
Served with Easter dinner. Still fantastic.
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3/26/2012 - BHwine wrote: 95 Points
Had it by the glass at legal seafood and was stunned by how good this was.
The best pinot I have ever had...period! wonderful fruit upfront and taste like candid apples but not over extracted. The acidity was perfect. I went out and bought a bottle the next day.
Prior to this the best pinot i had was the Loring Gary's 2010, but this is even better.
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3/10/2012 - raydawgone wrote: 94 Points
Baked strawberry pie & cream with cloves. Medium to full bodied. Finish lingers on for 45 + seconds. Smooth & lively.
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3/2/2012 - JCaress wrote: 93 Points
Excellent pinot. Superior fruit, solid finish. Great with roast chicken. Highly recommend.
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2/24/2012 - syrahiously wrote: 92 Points
Popped and let breath in the bottle for one hour; consumed over the next several hours. Nose of cherry, dark berries and a hint of earthy spice. More dark berries and spice on the palette. Finish is very long and smooth with ripe tart fruits lingering. Good acidity with mild tannins. Excellent balanced and bold fruit forward Pinot. I will hold my remaining bottles for at least a year to see how this develops.
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1/29/2012 - julao wrote: 93 Points
Wow
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1/27/2012 - pkbackman wrote: 92 Points
This was an excellent, fruit driven, Pinot, with just enough spice and rustic undertones to keep it true
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1/18/2012 - Mark Brandon wrote: 92 Points
Big for a pinot... cherry cola, with raspberry finish. 30 minute decant in bottle. Touch of holiday spice : ) in the palate.
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1/16/2012 - CR lawrence wrote: 91 Points
Nice bottle of wine. In a hurry and did not decant... a little tight at first - not bad at all though, but it opened up beautifully after about 20 minutes, and really gained momentum over the next hour. Nicely integrated fruit , spice, tannins; very easy to sip or enjoy with food,.. 3rd time with this vintage, consistent notes.
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1/1/2012 - tp096255 wrote: 92 Points
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COLOR: Deep velvet purple-garnet
NOTE: Had at The Farm with Madricks. Same as last time, with beautiful ripe red fruit saturating the nose & mouth, good sweetness. Next day I noticed a little more of a tart element in the nose & mouth, which was actually refreshing and explained why it pairs with food so well. Great QPR.
DECANT: 2 hr
GLASS USED: Small bordeaux
TASTE: 9.2
COST: 28
VALUE: 9.0
PREVIOUSLY TASTED: 11/11
TRY AGAIN: now - 2016
PAIRING: The Farm Steak (with bleu cheese topping).
Inquiries can be addressed to troypeterson@usa.net
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1/1/2012 - srwatters wrote: 92 Points
Outstanding again. Lovely dark garnet color and fruit filled nose. Soft and round with a hint of wood. Will buy and hold more of this excellent PN.
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12/15/2011 - CR lawrence wrote: 92 Points
Decanted an hour, expressions of fresh fruit, soft tannins... excellent overall.
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12/10/2011 - rocknroller wrote: 91 Points
Dark garnet red color. This was a day 2 wine, showing much better integration and balance. This is a pretty big wine, lots of fruit. The nose came off a bit too fruity initially, a little sweet. This settled down nicely with 2+ hours in the decanter. Nose has ripe fruits, black cherry and black raspberry, vanilla, spice, and lots of cedar, with a little earth in thebackground. The palate shows very good depth with layers of dark berry and cherry fruit, oak, and lots of spice at the end. Tart, nice acid, fruit forward. I was worried on opening, but this is young and full of potential.
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12/3/2011 - Empirate wrote: 92 Points
Nice cherry red fruit. Moderately concentrated body and fine tannin structure. Balance is excellent and wood is integrated. Medium finish.
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12/1/2011 - crsprout wrote: 92 Points
Well balanced pinot with a lot of fruit upfront , followed by some earthiness to give it depth...
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11/24/2011 - tcufletch wrote: 93 Points
This was so very nice and well-balanced. It was like eating really good, but not overly sweet candy. Just so easy to drink. I loved sharing it with my family for the holiday, but wished I had more than only one bottle. I'll definitely look for it again if I can find it around $30-$33.
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11/21/2011 - defnefferson wrote: 94 Points
Wow is this a good bottle of wine. Classic pinot nose with some cherry, cola, and a hint of spice. On the palate it's all luscious fruit and the finish is a minute long. Highly recommended.
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11/1/2011 - tp096255 wrote: 92 Points
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COLOR: Deep garnet, esp deep for a PN.
NOTE: Limited tasting at party (got last 2 ounces) and not the right stemware. It's a little outside the normal bounds of PN, but it's got a richness from nose to finish that is just so comforting. Never over the top, full of candied/dried red berry fruits, hints of leather. Very nice and seems like it could last a while even though it's quite a ripe style. Great QPR.
DECANT: None
GLASS USED: Chianti?
TASTE: 9.2
COST: 28
VALUE: 9.0
PREVIOUSLY TASTED: Early 2011 at Pinot Days, but no note then
TRY AGAIN: 2012 - 2016
PAIRING: Pot Roast
Inquiries can be addressed to troypeterson@usa.net
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9/24/2011 - bpobric wrote: 92 Points
Tasted this wine first at Art's store. An excellent Pinot...If it was blind tasting I would think it is Cab...Nice fresh fruit...Packed with fresh cherries and dark chocolate....Some spices...Very fruity...Would get it again....Nice Caymus wine...Well done...
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9/24/2011 - moisydoisy wrote: 89 Points
There was a good amount of heat on the nose as well as on the Finish. It was certainly a nice wine but no where need the quality of the Clark and Telephone and since they are both the same price, I won't be buying this one again.
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9/21/2011 - cartime wrote: 90 Points
Caymus Vineyards Wine Dinner (Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Houston, TX): Ripe cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, and vanilla with nice acidity and good balance. Preferred this to the Clark & Telephone from the same vintage, which I found slightly overripe and lacking acid comparatively.
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8/30/2011 - junglejuice wrote: 87 Points
Completely underwhelmed by this wine given the pedigree. There were little to no tannins and nothing at all distinguishing that set this apart or made it special. It was all average red fruit and no substance with a short finish. Drank over the course of 5 or so hours 3 of which it spent in the decanter. It did not improve.
This reminded me a lot of many of the sub $20 2009 Beaujolais I have tasted only with much less substance. Will not be buying again.
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8/28/2011 - deadsetonred wrote: 93 Points
Rich, smooth, cherry, long finish - a wonderful pinot.
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8/4/2011 - vinopa wrote: 93 Points
Very dark for a pinot....Nose: Wow i could smell this vino all night..Fresh cherries, rasberries, spice and milk chocolate appears after an hour or so which i really enjoyed...Palate: Awesome silky mouthfeel with an explosion of red fruit. This is a big pinot but so well balanced with no heat..This pinot is just delicious and should get better over the next 2 years but is so enjoyable right now..At this price point ($35.00) its a great buy..Cheers!!
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8/1/2011 - RobertDwyer wrote: 95 Points
Hard to think of a more delicious wine than this. It brings the same rich, plush satisfaction of the 2008 but (at this point) balances it out a bit with a layer of brighter flavors on initial attack. Behind this are the same slightly-sweet spice notes, cherry pipe tobacco, and enjoyable fruit flavors found in the prior vintage. Dangerously difficult to stop drinking. Highly recommended - back up the truck. Read more...
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6/29/2011 - vinoemmie5 Likes this wine: 92 Points
drunk side by side the clark and telephone. incredibly different wines. beautiful.
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4/30/2011 - jgdiablo@bellatlantic.net wrote: 93 Points
Cherry pie...smooth...velvety...nice long finish...an amazing winner for the price!
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4/17/2011 - smp24 wrote: 91 Points
Nice solid Pinot - richer and darker than tasted earlier in the day from Santa Ynez wineries. Popped & poured at restaurant Root 246 - enjoyable wine that went well with an eclectic dinner of shared appetizers and small plates.
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