Intense pomegranate molasses and rhubarb aromas are immediately evident on opening, followed by darker blueberry pie notes after aeration. A slight whiff of bretty funk belies the wines age and hints of even greater depth to come. The palate is initially very fruity with some offset from the diminished tannins. There is a zingy sweet-tart character to the flavor profile that is both luscious and delicious. Given its age, the wine is understandably closed when first opened, and takes a long time to develop and begin showing its deeper secrets. After about an hour, spiced cola character and a sleek "wet rock" minerality became apparent, which glides thru the super-long finish. Definitely ripe for drinking now.
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Very consistent with my earlier note; raspberry flavors dominate the palate with some cherry and sous bois. Not incredibly complex for an 18yo wine, but fun to drink and still in good shape. This wine will not improve; would recommend near-term consumption.
Opaque red with a rust colored meniscus. Nose of earth, mushroom and spice.
On the palate, ripe red fruits (cherry/raspberry), Asian spice, and earth. Nice concentration and persistence. Tastes a good deal younger than it's age; impressive how well this wine has held up. A very good showing.
It's interesting to note the winemaker originally suggested drinking through 2005. It just goes to show that drinking windows are, at best, educated guesses and that palates can wildly differ.
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An awesome wine. Put this next to the 2001 Arcadian Garys' and this wins. Showing age in color, but vibrant fruit with balanced acidity. Very close after the 2003 Marcassin Marcassin as one of my favorite Pinots. Miner continues for me to be one of CA's most under-rated quality wineries. Bought from WineBid for mid $30s. I'm just sorry there was only one, but I'm happy to have tried what may be one of their earliest Pinots.
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Light-to-medium garnet color with transparent ruby hue. Lots of barnyard & musty Pinot funk on the nose. Beautiful strawberry, cherry, clove & nutmeg on the palate. Appreciable acidity & tannic grip emerge from the midpalate, lending an almost effervescent quality to the long & spicy finish. Judicious use of oak. Gorgeous stuff acquired at a closeout! [14.3% a.b.v.; $22.00].
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Fabulous. Drinking this was like drinking strawberry cool-aid with lots of sugar. Rich, sweet and not a hint of any coarseness.The aroma's of pure strawberry poured over the lip of the glass. I wish I had more. If you've got it drink it up as 2 hours later it was starting to show it's age a bit.
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Wine was a perfectly aged american pinot with tons of character; nose filled with spice and meat scents. Taste was black cherry and cola with a hint of effervescent. Tons of spice on the end produced a long finish with pleasant acidity balance. Nicely made wine.
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Soft elegant fruit. This shows everything, from sweet cherry fruit, to a soft, supple texture, to layers underneath layers. The balance is just right while I do get a slight bit of acidity on my palate, its structured and hedonistic at the same time, a beauty.
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7/17/2021 - jwhiggins Likes this wine: 93 Points
Intense pomegranate molasses and rhubarb aromas are immediately evident on opening, followed by darker blueberry pie notes after aeration. A slight whiff of bretty funk belies the wines age and hints of even greater depth to come. The palate is initially very fruity with some offset from the diminished tannins. There is a zingy sweet-tart character to the flavor profile that is both luscious and delicious. Given its age, the wine is understandably closed when first opened, and takes a long time to develop and begin showing its deeper secrets. After about an hour, spiced cola character and a sleek "wet rock" minerality became apparent, which glides thru the super-long finish. Definitely ripe for drinking now.
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8/7/2017 - CMN wrote:
Very consistent with my earlier note; raspberry flavors dominate the palate with some cherry and sous bois. Not incredibly complex for an 18yo wine, but fun to drink and still in good shape. This wine will not improve; would recommend near-term consumption.
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3/4/2017 - CMN wrote:
Opaque red with a rust colored meniscus. Nose of earth, mushroom and spice.
On the palate, ripe red fruits (cherry/raspberry), Asian spice, and earth. Nice concentration and persistence. Tastes a good deal younger than it's age; impressive how well this wine has held up. A very good showing.
It's interesting to note the winemaker originally suggested drinking through 2005. It just goes to show that drinking windows are, at best, educated guesses and that palates can wildly differ.
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12/12/2009 - Colima74 wrote: 94 Points
An awesome wine. Put this next to the 2001 Arcadian Garys' and this wins. Showing age in color, but vibrant fruit with balanced acidity. Very close after the 2003 Marcassin Marcassin as one of my favorite Pinots. Miner continues for me to be one of CA's most under-rated quality wineries. Bought from WineBid for mid $30s. I'm just sorry there was only one, but I'm happy to have tried what may be one of their earliest Pinots.
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8/30/2009 - Bacchant wrote: 94 Points
Light-to-medium garnet color with transparent ruby hue. Lots of barnyard & musty Pinot funk on the nose. Beautiful strawberry, cherry, clove & nutmeg on the palate. Appreciable acidity & tannic grip emerge from the midpalate, lending an almost effervescent quality to the long & spicy finish. Judicious use of oak. Gorgeous stuff acquired at a closeout! [14.3% a.b.v.; $22.00].
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8/7/2009 - The Drunken Cyclist wrote: 89 Points
Not quite as impressive as the last. Still that SB nose and good fruit initially. Started to fade as we went through the bottle.
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4/18/2007 - snipes wrote: 94 Points
Fabulous. Drinking this was like drinking strawberry cool-aid with lots of sugar. Rich, sweet and not a hint of any coarseness.The aroma's of pure strawberry poured over the lip of the glass. I wish I had more. If you've got it drink it up as 2 hours later it was starting to show it's age a bit.
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11/24/2006 - gschneider wrote: 94 Points
Wine was a perfectly aged american pinot with tons of character; nose filled with spice and meat scents. Taste was black cherry and cola with a hint of effervescent. Tons of spice on the end produced a long finish with pleasant acidity balance. Nicely made wine.
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7/27/2004 - jamiekutch wrote:
Soft elegant fruit. This shows everything, from sweet cherry fruit, to a soft, supple texture, to layers underneath layers. The balance is just right while I do get a slight bit of acidity on my palate, its structured and hedonistic at the same time, a beauty.
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