2005 Navarro Vineyards Pinot Noir Méthode à l'Ancienne - unfiltered

Community Tasting Notes (14) Avg Score: 90.2 points

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  12/18/2016 - z_willus_d wrote: 94 Points

  This was the last of three bottles purchased direct in late 2007. I've tasted most of Navarro's Methode releases going back to 2004. Of all the vintages I've enjoyed, 2005 was and is still my favorite. This is what they'd call a "classic" pinot, and it was in stark contrast to the ripe 2004, which was excellent in its own way. It's interesting to note that the 2004 bottles started to fall apart after 5-6 years, whereas this 2005 at 11 years has not skipped a beat. Between the bouquet and ultra balanced palate, this is supreme example of a, well, Classic Anderson Valley pinot noir. I really am sad to see my last bottle puff out, but with frozen Thanksgiving turkey portions coming out for the evening, it's fair to also unearth this "old" relic from the wine fridge.

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  2/16/2015 - Janstan Likes this wine: 90 Points

  red raspberries, strawberrries, ready now. Had alone

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  10/16/2014 - Wine_Bear wrote: 92 Points

  Bottle was properly stored from purchase at winery upon release until consumed. Beautiful bouquet upon opening. Ready to drink. Full of berries-blackberries, bramble berries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, frais des bois. Vanilla. Walnuts. Hint of liquorish on the top note. An excellent wine, drink it now.

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  1/30/2013 - hiroshisugi wrote: 90 Points

  Excellent Anderson Valley Pinot. Dark red fruit on the nose. Not overpowering but nicely balanced with smooth, medium finish. Very enjoyable.

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  1/15/2013 - z_willus_d Likes this wine:

  I consumed a bottle of this wine with my wife (80/20) about a week or so back. I meant to write a quick note but was sidetracked. I've tasted this bottling each year back to before 2004. The '04 was rich and full, award winning, but too hot in the end, and it fell apart a bit early. The '06 was much more austere, a bit thin, less substantial. The '07 was another rip year and for my taste less balanced than the similar '04. I can't recall the '08 at present (was it held due to fires?), and the '09 was so so. That leaves the '05. I think many found it a bit light and streamlined compared to the '04, but I think I knew back at release it was more steely and far better balanced. Now I think it has reached a zenith, and I think it one damn fine example of Anderson Valley Pinot. This is one notch up from the basic Pinot bottling, but it drinks with elegance and a quality far beyond the $28- asking price. I don't tend to put down a bottle in one night, maybe two three times a year. This one was easy. I've quite enjoyed following its progression (I will not say evolution) through the years to this point. What a gratifying process.

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