This is a smashing pinot noir. My first taste of it. At age 11 it is beautifully together, and seems fresh and young. Nose is huge with spicy raspberry and mineral notes. Palate is so smooooth, with the rich dark fruit melding with earthy background and bit of spice. Still a bit of tannins at the end. Should be good for years.
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Sometimes its hard to be objective but there were some slightly bitter herbal qualities here that I really did not care for. Alcohol also was also a bit too hot for my taste.
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This is drinking well right now. 10 years in the alcohol has subsided, the flavors have integrated well and the berry is evident but in balance with the other flavors of earth and spice/herbs. Really nice now but no signs of gettting old. I can see this lasting another 10 years.
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Last bottle over last 2 nights, Ar between, 2d last bottle a few weeks ago. Impressions: excellent balance, tannin still present, deep red fruit and cola flavors. Long been enamored with this vineyard for its red fruit flavors. Optimists may wish to hold this longer for bottle development. Having held the '07 > 10 years to dissipation of tannin, it isn't obvious this will occur. CA PN are singular for their long flavor offering, not for development of bottle bouquet. Sorry to see this go but was in the mood. 93 is slightly generous since there is a little roughness in the wine still but Trenton is one of my favorites in flavors, and there is nothing missing here.
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Showing beautiful right now. Sumptuously aromatic bouquet. Glorious cherry fruit, spice, and flowers. Classic Trenton Estate, and in a very, very good year for this great vineyard. What a great wine. Total joy. A
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OK, decided to drink another bottle. This bottle left considerable sediment, softer (note all of these bought from Swan at issue and stored at 55). This bottle is terrific: wonderful nose, excellent balance, rich (slightly on fruity side), long finish. Surprisingly better than the bottle week ago. Now I have to decide whether/how long to keep the rest but the wine is very enjoyable now (like my Apple stock, sell or look for upside).
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See note of 10/15/15. This bottle is less ready than one 2 years ago, all bottles at 55 degrees, purchase direct at issue. There is massive fruit underlying a rich pinot nose characteristic of this vineyard (always reminds a bit of a old soda fountain syrup cherry coke). Plump in the glass with excellent acidity (a Swan characteristic) and a good deal of tannin. This is pleasant and enjoyable, a little less stunning than the last bottle. There is promise of a long finish, now a bit tannic.
Second "half" (OK, it's never ½) on 11/5: Same as above, not much change overnight except more open, slight fruit fade, tannin more prominent. It's still quite enjoyable. I rate the wine still as 92-93 (influenced by my affection for the vineyard). The question for me is keep or drink given now only 100 bottle temp storage. 10 year old Trentons have been quite enjoyable although never developed secondary bottle flavors of burgundy or bordeaux. Correspondingly, they were enjoyable for all the years.
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I will confess, I already had the notes in my mind before I looked at my previous reviews. The wine is consistent. The wine is showing a little age in the glass, a tad of brick especially around the miniscus. The nose is mild with notes of red fruit. This review is on 3 day old wine. The fruit is still lively. Strawberry, cherry complemented with hints of pepper. The tannins are still there which, along with the acidity, provide a great swig of wine. The finish is moderate with some of the acidity providing the support. I noted in 2012 that the wine may have the chops to last a few more years, and I am proud to report I was spot on.
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14.2% alcohol. This is in a great place right now, although it remains quite primary. Red cherry color. Glorious bouquet that is unmistakably Trenton Estate. Explosive red and black cherry leap out of the glass, married with baking spice, minerals, and a hint of tea. In the mouth, exceptionally refined. No sharp edges at all and very precise. The focus lets the individual flavors stand out, each taking their turn -- red and black cherry, baking spice, strong acidity, underlying tea and floral notes, and a luscious, juicy, long, and tightly knit finish. This is awfully good right now but still a baby. It easily will reward another 10-15 years in the bottle. Well worth experiencing the journey of this wine all along the way. A
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See my note from 10/7 ... after the 10/7 jammy and overblown (almost unbalanced) bottle, I had to try another of many. My tasting impression variation isn't me - same over 2 nights - but all owned bottles were were purchased and stored similarly ... this bottle was superb, the wine I remember. It is aging well, wonderful nose immediately upon opening, excellent balance, so good I'm almost (but not really :-), sorry I opened it. Wow! The RR fruit is in clear evidence. This bottle is softening and acquiring a tiny bit of bottle bouquet. After a good brut rose champagne this was a treat. I can't explain the last bottle but have experienced bottle variation for decades.
2d Day - Evidence of less structure, showing more ripeness. My view, this argues for earlier drinking. Now is OK, probably better in a year or two then consume. See this as a point lower than initial bottles, not quite as good as the 2010 which was a big surprise.
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3 years since last bottle, have been itching to sample. At this point in the wine's evolution, it was a surprise. Acid and tannin are in good balance, wine beginning to change color with ruby transitioning to darker red. A surprise was the wine is 'jammy' with fruit flavors more indistinct than I remember, lacking the traditional RR signature. At the point I don't know what to think other than the vintage is at a bit of an awkward stage. All bottles were purchased at issue from the winery and stored at 55F. I still like it but it is different than the wine I evaluated 38+ months ago. Stay tuned for a report next year.
2d Day: Not much change. I view this as good, and maybe the jaminess just needs to fade. It's enjoyable now but not for a top wine. Not an attribute that is attractive for more than short term drinking. My counsel to those who cellared this wine is wait ... your choice.
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Deb brought out a bottle of 2009 Joseph Swan Trenton Estate Pinot Noir. She said that she heard me mention it before, so she was anxious to try it. (Deb if you are reading this,I would like to mention the Domaine de la Romanée Conti.) A bit fruitier and darker than the Hirsch, as expected, but every bit as tasty.
14.2% alcohol. Absolutely gorgeous. Full cherry color. Beautiful bouquet of red cherry, black cherry, earth, spice, and flowers. In the mouth, youthful and so full of life. Gorgeous cherry fruit, layers of earth and spice already showing their hand. Terrific acidity. And a long finish that flexes some tannic muscle. This will age effortlessly. But fantastic. A
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Awesome wine-- easy to drink. Dark cherry, allspice. Extremely pleasing to drink, well balanced from start to finish, great nice long finish. Depsite the year, this wine is drinking very nicely!
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Dark strawberry color. Nose of cherry, strawberry. Palate is bright and lively. Strawberry, dark cherry, hint of raspberry. Balanced acidity, very nice mouthfeel. Moderate finish. Overall, I really like this Pinot and am glad I have more. Tannins suggest there are some rewarding years ahead.
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Ruby color. Nose: black cherry, pomegranate, and persimmon with accents of clove, star anise, tobacco leaf, and wet rock. Medium/lighter body on the palate: black cherry, persimmon, and plum framed by star anise, toasted cedar, tobacco leaf, and wet rock. Aggressive acidity. Moderate/lighter tannins. Linger wet rock, toasted cedar, and tobacco leaf on the long finish. Deep flavor intensity without excess weight. Impressive.
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Agree with 'pomerol'. This was a terrific bottle of wine, very unexpected (read on). Purchased from the winery, I've waited a couple months to try the 2009, drunk with a Bouchard Volnay. Full disclosure: I love JSwan wines. The 2009 was unexpectedly good because other 2009 pinots tasted have been pleasant but not exceptional. Medium ruby color, medium body, the Trenton 2009 exhibits classic RR aromas, earth notes, and red fruits. It is very well balanced - fruit, acid, tannin - long finish. More importantly, it is fruity without being overly sweet, a characteristic of Swan wines. As the evening wore on the 2009 only improved, a good match for a marinated, herb encrusted pork loin roast. The Trenton seriously overshadowed the Volnay. This wine is - not surprisingly - more accessible at this stage than the 2007 or 2008 but those wines are not closed at this point. For me it is notably better than the 2008 and competitive with the 2007. I look forward to drinking them both together in a few years and making the comparison. Wonderful wine to drink young. Can't recommend it enough.
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Beautiful nose of rich ripe rasberry and strawberry, some notes of mint and earth as well. On the palate similar bright berry flavors with very fine structure and not even a hint of excess fruitiness or overripe qualities.A-Typical in all the right ways. Should age really well.
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Garnet color with very light meniscus. Nose of red berry, white pepper, hint of tobacco. Touch of alcohol. It's young. The palate reveals strawberry, pepper, raspberry, black cherry. Very light florals. Nice minerality and tannic structure serves as the backbone, indicating significant potential in the cellar. Nice long finish that ends in fruit, no bitterness.
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8/10/2023 - paulst Likes this wine: 92 Points
Licorice-cherry and youthful; tannic; sweet brash finish.
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1/22/2022 - JWG wrote: 95 Points
My last bottle matches the one we opened last year -- a smashing success.
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11/22/2021 - JWG wrote: 95 Points
This is a smashing pinot noir. My first taste of it. At age 11 it is beautifully together, and seems fresh and young. Nose is huge with spicy raspberry and mineral notes. Palate is so smooooth, with the rich dark fruit melding with earthy background and bit of spice. Still a bit of tannins at the end. Should be good for years.
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8/25/2021 - marcus_francois Does not like this wine:
Sometimes its hard to be objective but there were some slightly bitter herbal qualities here that I really did not care for. Alcohol also was also a bit too hot for my taste.
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12/5/2020 - AngelicWines wrote: 96 Points
drinking beautifully
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3/28/2020 - jmh st louis Likes this wine: 93 Points
Delicious raspberry, spicy body. Medium finish.n
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9/16/2019 - acidqueen wrote: 93 Points
This is drinking well right now. 10 years in the alcohol has subsided, the flavors have integrated well and the berry is evident but in balance with the other flavors of earth and spice/herbs. Really nice now but no signs of gettting old. I can see this lasting another 10 years.
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6/28/2018 - Chris@77 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Last bottle over last 2 nights, Ar between, 2d last bottle a few weeks ago. Impressions: excellent balance, tannin still present, deep red fruit and cola flavors. Long been enamored with this vineyard for its red fruit flavors. Optimists may wish to hold this longer for bottle development. Having held the '07 > 10 years to dissipation of tannin, it isn't obvious this will occur. CA PN are singular for their long flavor offering, not for development of bottle bouquet. Sorry to see this go but was in the mood. 93 is slightly generous since there is a little roughness in the wine still but Trenton is one of my favorites in flavors, and there is nothing missing here.
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1/24/2018 - williamswhine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Easy to drink wine. Clove, raspberry/strawberry spice on the nose. Effervescent, dark red fruit, dark cherry, allspice. Long finish. Enjoyable wine.
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12/20/2017 - gutt22 Likes this wine:
Showing beautiful right now. Sumptuously aromatic bouquet. Glorious cherry fruit, spice, and flowers. Classic Trenton Estate, and in a very, very good year for this great vineyard. What a great wine. Total joy. A
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11/11/2017 - Chris@77 Likes this wine: 94 Points
OK, decided to drink another bottle. This bottle left considerable sediment, softer (note all of these bought from Swan at issue and stored at 55). This bottle is terrific: wonderful nose, excellent balance, rich (slightly on fruity side), long finish. Surprisingly better than the bottle week ago. Now I have to decide whether/how long to keep the rest but the wine is very enjoyable now (like my Apple stock, sell or look for upside).
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11/4/2017 - Chris@77 Likes this wine: 93 Points
See note of 10/15/15. This bottle is less ready than one 2 years ago, all bottles at 55 degrees, purchase direct at issue. There is massive fruit underlying a rich pinot nose characteristic of this vineyard (always reminds a bit of a old soda fountain syrup cherry coke). Plump in the glass with excellent acidity (a Swan characteristic) and a good deal of tannin. This is pleasant and enjoyable, a little less stunning than the last bottle. There is promise of a long finish, now a bit tannic.
Second "half" (OK, it's never ½) on 11/5: Same as above, not much change overnight except more open, slight fruit fade, tannin more prominent. It's still quite enjoyable. I rate the wine still as 92-93 (influenced by my affection for the vineyard). The question for me is keep or drink given now only 100 bottle temp storage. 10 year old Trentons have been quite enjoyable although never developed secondary bottle flavors of burgundy or bordeaux. Correspondingly, they were enjoyable for all the years.
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7/16/2017 - DonWinspear wrote: 92 Points
I will confess, I already had the notes in my mind before I looked at my previous reviews. The wine is consistent. The wine is showing a little age in the glass, a tad of brick especially around the miniscus. The nose is mild with notes of red fruit. This review is on 3 day old wine. The fruit is still lively. Strawberry, cherry complemented with hints of pepper. The tannins are still there which, along with the acidity, provide a great swig of wine. The finish is moderate with some of the acidity providing the support. I noted in 2012 that the wine may have the chops to last a few more years, and I am proud to report I was spot on.
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7/4/2017 - acidqueen wrote: 92 Points
Drinking very well now, but really should be kept for longer. A bit high in alcohol at 14.2%, but it doesn't feel hot. Dark blackberry w sweet spice.
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6/2/2017 - paulst Likes this wine: 95 Points
Plummy and jammy; structured; deep raspberry and raisen; sweet; long and and full; long finish.
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6/28/2016 - usbeauty Likes this wine: 90 Points
Hits like a hammer. Good pinot nose but a mix of tannin and alcohol backbone. Not much of a complex finish at this point. Some years to go.
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2/14/2016 - gutt22 Likes this wine:
14.2% alcohol. This is in a great place right now, although it remains quite primary. Red cherry color. Glorious bouquet that is unmistakably Trenton Estate. Explosive red and black cherry leap out of the glass, married with baking spice, minerals, and a hint of tea. In the mouth, exceptionally refined. No sharp edges at all and very precise. The focus lets the individual flavors stand out, each taking their turn -- red and black cherry, baking spice, strong acidity, underlying tea and floral notes, and a luscious, juicy, long, and tightly knit finish. This is awfully good right now but still a baby. It easily will reward another 10-15 years in the bottle. Well worth experiencing the journey of this wine all along the way. A
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10/21/2015 - Chris@77 Likes this wine: 93 Points
See my note from 10/7 ... after the 10/7 jammy and overblown (almost unbalanced) bottle, I had to try another of many. My tasting impression variation isn't me - same over 2 nights - but all owned bottles were were purchased and stored similarly ... this bottle was superb, the wine I remember. It is aging well, wonderful nose immediately upon opening, excellent balance, so good I'm almost (but not really :-), sorry I opened it. Wow! The RR fruit is in clear evidence. This bottle is softening and acquiring a tiny bit of bottle bouquet. After a good brut rose champagne this was a treat. I can't explain the last bottle but have experienced bottle variation for decades.
2d Day - Evidence of less structure, showing more ripeness. My view, this argues for earlier drinking. Now is OK, probably better in a year or two then consume. See this as a point lower than initial bottles, not quite as good as the 2010 which was a big surprise.
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10/7/2015 - Chris@77 Likes this wine:
3 years since last bottle, have been itching to sample. At this point in the wine's evolution, it was a surprise. Acid and tannin are in good balance, wine beginning to change color with ruby transitioning to darker red. A surprise was the wine is 'jammy' with fruit flavors more indistinct than I remember, lacking the traditional RR signature. At the point I don't know what to think other than the vintage is at a bit of an awkward stage. All bottles were purchased at issue from the winery and stored at 55F. I still like it but it is different than the wine I evaluated 38+ months ago. Stay tuned for a report next year.
2d Day: Not much change. I view this as good, and maybe the jaminess just needs to fade. It's enjoyable now but not for a top wine. Not an attribute that is attractive for more than short term drinking. My counsel to those who cellared this wine is wait ... your choice.
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11/20/2014 - jwsmith wrote: 93 Points
Really great wine, elegant burgundy from CA
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11/6/2014 - jwsmith wrote: 94 Points
Awesome very burgundy like beautiful wine
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1/11/2014 - vancouvermatt wrote: 91 Points
Better than previous bottle.
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8/23/2013 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine:
Deb brought out a bottle of 2009 Joseph Swan Trenton Estate Pinot Noir. She said that she heard me mention it before, so she was anxious to try it. (Deb if you are reading this,I would like to mention the Domaine de la Romanée Conti.) A bit fruitier and darker than the Hirsch, as expected, but every bit as tasty.
www.thedrunkencyclist.com
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8/18/2013 - gutt22 Likes this wine:
14.2% alcohol. Absolutely gorgeous. Full cherry color. Beautiful bouquet of red cherry, black cherry, earth, spice, and flowers. In the mouth, youthful and so full of life. Gorgeous cherry fruit, layers of earth and spice already showing their hand. Terrific acidity. And a long finish that flexes some tannic muscle. This will age effortlessly. But fantastic. A
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7/22/2013 - jhieb Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great balance and finesse. Dried rose petal scent. Spice, dark cherry, and earth in the mouth.
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6/2/2013 - fine137 wrote: 92 Points
So much better than a year ago. This is progressing nicely and has a long life ahead.
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3/23/2013 - williamswhine Likes this wine: 94 Points
Awesome wine-- easy to drink. Dark cherry, allspice. Extremely pleasing to drink, well balanced from start to finish, great nice long finish. Depsite the year, this wine is drinking very nicely!
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1/23/2013 - DonWinspear wrote: 92 Points
Dark strawberry color. Nose of cherry, strawberry. Palate is bright and lively. Strawberry, dark cherry, hint of raspberry. Balanced acidity, very nice mouthfeel. Moderate finish. Overall, I really like this Pinot and am glad I have more. Tannins suggest there are some rewarding years ahead.
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10/23/2012 - jackstraw wrote: 92 Points
Very impressive Pinot - wonderful nose and terrific finish
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7/26/2012 - jsums wrote: 90 Points
Ruby color. Nose: black cherry, pomegranate, and persimmon with accents of clove, star anise, tobacco leaf, and wet rock. Medium/lighter body on the palate: black cherry, persimmon, and plum framed by star anise, toasted cedar, tobacco leaf, and wet rock. Aggressive acidity. Moderate/lighter tannins. Linger wet rock, toasted cedar, and tobacco leaf on the long finish. Deep flavor intensity without excess weight. Impressive.
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7/14/2012 - edarrincox wrote: 88 Points
Good, not great Pinot. Light color
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7/5/2012 - tbone wrote:
Love it. Soft, smokey, silky and delicious.
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7/3/2012 - Chris@77 wrote: 94 Points
Agree with 'pomerol'. This was a terrific bottle of wine, very unexpected (read on). Purchased from the winery, I've waited a couple months to try the 2009, drunk with a Bouchard Volnay. Full disclosure: I love JSwan wines. The 2009 was unexpectedly good because other 2009 pinots tasted have been pleasant but not exceptional. Medium ruby color, medium body, the Trenton 2009 exhibits classic RR aromas, earth notes, and red fruits. It is very well balanced - fruit, acid, tannin - long finish. More importantly, it is fruity without being overly sweet, a characteristic of Swan wines. As the evening wore on the 2009 only improved, a good match for a marinated, herb encrusted pork loin roast. The Trenton seriously overshadowed the Volnay. This wine is - not surprisingly - more accessible at this stage than the 2007 or 2008 but those wines are not closed at this point. For me it is notably better than the 2008 and competitive with the 2007. I look forward to drinking them both together in a few years and making the comparison. Wonderful wine to drink young. Can't recommend it enough.
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5/28/2012 - jwsmith wrote: 93 Points
Tremendous wine long rich very deep color excellent..
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5/18/2012 - pomerol wrote: 94 Points
Beautiful nose of rich ripe rasberry and strawberry, some notes of mint and earth as well. On the palate similar bright berry flavors with very fine structure and not even a hint of excess fruitiness or overripe qualities.A-Typical in all the right ways. Should age really well.
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4/10/2012 - DonWinspear wrote: 91 Points
Garnet color with very light meniscus. Nose of red berry, white pepper, hint of tobacco. Touch of alcohol. It's young. The palate reveals strawberry, pepper, raspberry, black cherry. Very light florals. Nice minerality and tannic structure serves as the backbone, indicating significant potential in the cellar. Nice long finish that ends in fruit, no bitterness.
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3/18/2012 - fine137 wrote:
Not rated, too early
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3/9/2012 - pinotblanc Likes this wine: 93 Points
It is young and thin right at opening. But after 1 hour it opens up, quite enjoyable. Maybe not as good as 2008.
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