It took a while for me to warm up to this wine. I think it's much better with food than standalone as an apperitif.
A deep ruby color (almost purple). Deeper than most PNs. Pronounced aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, baking spice, licorice. Medium to high acidity; medium tannins, high alcohol and medium body. Pronounced flavors consistent with the aromas, plus some smoke (more on the flavor than the aroma?!?). Long finish.
WS scored this a 96. I'm not quite there. I would prefer a brighter, more red fruit flavored PN.
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Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for one hour. Nose of black cherry, black raspberry, earth, tangerine peel and spice. Ripe black and red fruit, earth, spice and ripe tannins on the palate. Very long finish. Medium bodied. Served with grilled duck breast and a cherry, port wine sauce.
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I thought the 21 Occidental was bombastic indeed. Popped and poured, it showcases a ripe, opulent style of Sonoma pinot and I think does need a bit of time to calm down. This bottle showed some black cherry, sweet spices (Christmas potpourri), hint of orange rind and rose petals. A bit of perceptible RS on the finish. It tastes like a young TRB wine. I’d hold if I had more.
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As complex and loud as this wine usually is out of the gate. We noticed some heat on this edition though. Gets a touch empty towards the finish. That fruit is so compelling that its all forgiven. Its just less balanced than most vintages. I find the Occidental to be best when young and this is not one I would play with aging.
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Really young but already gorgeous. Needs a lot of air at this stage. Develops a little spice with dark raspberries. Can’t wait to see what this becomes with a few years in the cellar.
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4/14/2024 - denniswdern@gmail.com Likes this wine: 93 Points
It took a while for me to warm up to this wine. I think it's much better with food than standalone as an apperitif.
A deep ruby color (almost purple). Deeper than most PNs. Pronounced aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, baking spice, licorice. Medium to high acidity; medium tannins, high alcohol and medium body. Pronounced flavors consistent with the aromas, plus some smoke (more on the flavor than the aroma?!?). Long finish.
WS scored this a 96. I'm not quite there. I would prefer a brighter, more red fruit flavored PN.
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2/4/2024 - hoservin Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for one hour. Nose of black cherry, black raspberry, earth, tangerine peel and spice. Ripe black and red fruit, earth, spice and ripe tannins on the palate. Very long finish. Medium bodied. Served with grilled duck breast and a cherry, port wine sauce.
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11/27/2023 - jviz wrote: 92 Points
I thought the 21 Occidental was bombastic indeed. Popped and poured, it showcases a ripe, opulent style of Sonoma pinot and I think does need a bit of time to calm down. This bottle showed some black cherry, sweet spices (Christmas potpourri), hint of orange rind and rose petals. A bit of perceptible RS on the finish. It tastes like a young TRB wine. I’d hold if I had more.
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8/27/2023 - WetRock wrote:
As complex and loud as this wine usually is out of the gate. We noticed some heat on this edition though. Gets a touch empty towards the finish. That fruit is so compelling that its all forgiven. Its just less balanced than most vintages. I find the Occidental to be best when young and this is not one I would play with aging.
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6/22/2023 - rrasmuss Likes this wine: 95 Points
Blackberry raspberry dusty earth. Spicy cranberry and more raspberry on the palette.
It’s young. Does great with some air and holds up really well to a pump and overnight.
I’d say it ranks up there with the Old Vines and Platt Vineyard offerings from RM.
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3/18/2023 - Gruffalius Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really young but already gorgeous. Needs a lot of air at this stage. Develops a little spice with dark raspberries. Can’t wait to see what this becomes with a few years in the cellar.
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