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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Drinking window: Drink between 2011 and 2015 (based on 8 user opinions) |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 90.7 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 50 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by Castle Peak on 10/23/2018 & rated 93 points: Still really nice. Fruit, spices and acid in near perfect balance. Similar to my 2016 notes. (773 views) | | | Tasted by Castle Peak on 11/28/2016 & rated 94 points: Don't recall this from earlier bottles, but has a reddish brick translucent color. Still elegant, pure and well balanced, but has developed an assertive richness in the last 2 years which adds a new dimension to this wine. The Pinot Noir grape never ceases to amaze. A mouthful of joy, but don't find this over extracted or concentrated. (1380 views) | | | Tasted by lewisrise on 11/24/2016 & rated 93 points: Nose of dark cherry and cinnamon. Well balanced, cherry and rhubarb. Very long finish for a Pinot (1315 views) | | | Tasted by RGCM Gananda on 12/11/2015 & rated 92 points: Red cherry and earth notes on the nose. Remains medium bodied, but has shifted towards the red end of the flavor spectrum. Red cherry upfront with deeper notes of black cherry behind as well as plum which adds richness and depth. Seemed lighter at first, but given time open, regained the weight and density that I recalled from prior bottles. The fruit is still very pretty, but has lost just a bit of its complexity. Tannins are fully integrated, adding structure without dryness. There is a brightness on the finish, along with the mineral quality and the overall silkiness and very nice length. All that said, this wine is clearly at peak and depending on your bottle, may even be starting down the backside. The fruit and balance won't get any better than they are today. Drink this over the next year to 18 months to enjoy it at this level. (1746 views) | | | Tasted by RGCM Gananda on 4/11/2015 & rated 93 points: Blackfruit and floral notes on the nose. Solidly medium bodied with a lot of richness but extremely well balanced. Black cherry and raspberry upfront with some plum in the background adding depth and tying all the notes together. The fruit has a depth to it and rich roundness that sails through the middle. Tannins are fully integrated and lead to a good length finish. This was an elegant and very enjoyable bottle with the structure and the fruit to last but peak is probably over the next year or so. (2011 views) | | | Tasted by bcg14 on 12/28/2014 & rated 92 points: Typical black cherry notes of Carneros, but completely resolved tannins and just a hint of alcohol on the back end. Medium bodied, but not lacking in flavor, it was one of the best Carneros Pinot's I've had. (1885 views) | | | Tasted by RGCM Gananda on 12/12/2014 & rated 93 points: This is just simply a beautiful pinot. Classic nose, wonderful blackfruit and outstanding balance. Still has plenty of structure and may even be able to improve slightly. The depth and richness of the fruit, coupled with the smooth and round mouthfeel make for a very enjoyable glass. Good mineral qualities as well as length on the finish. Well worth opening a bottle now, but this has a few years left. (1251 views) | | | Tasted by Castle Peak on 10/26/2014 & rated 94 points: Continues to improve each year. Elegant, pure and perfectly balanced. Best Carneros Pinot Noir I've ever tasted. (1433 views) | | | Tasted by williewonk on 8/2/2014 & rated 93 points: Intense black cherries, asian spices, a touch of sweet smoke. Great acidity, well-balanced, seems a little light in color at first, but deepens and broadens in the glass. Has a few more years at it's peak. Five spice duck? A classic! (1438 views) | | | Tasted by cweiner on 3/2/2014 & rated 90 points: Agree with comments. May well last another few years. (1429 views) | | | Tasted by cweiner on 2/17/2014 & rated 90 points: Still drinking consistently well. Has at least a year left. (1249 views) | | | Tasted by RGCM Gananda on 11/15/2013 & rated 92 points: Beautiful, classic California pinot noir on the nose. Very smooth and rich right from the start, but hits its stride about an hour in. Black cherry and strawberry flavors are the most noticeable. Mid-palette is outstanding with very good complexity and a real silkiness overall. Finish has enough acidity that this should continue to develop over the next few years. (1437 views) | | | Tasted by Castle Peak on 8/13/2013 & rated 93 points: It has been nearly two years since we opened one of these. The time in the cellar has improved this wine.
It is lighter in color, but has a lively nose of spice, crushed cherries and earth. There is a graceful complexity about this wine that is elegant, yet assertive. It has a mid palate of ripe fruit flavors, spice, red cedar and light smoke. The finish holds you in a pause, then releases to an enjoyable and velvety finish. (1613 views) | | | Tasted by cweiner on 5/6/2013 & rated 92 points: Consistent (1536 views) | | | Tasted by StainedGlass on 4/11/2013 & rated 88 points: - Ruby color - This bottle was significantly better than an earlier try. Light ruby color, and while it has appealing fruit forward raspberry jam and cassis fruits, unlike some Cali Pinots, it is clearly a Pinot Noir. Not a lot of earthy or minerally notes, but a very approachable new World Pinot. (1090 views) | | | Tasted by lviehmyer on 12/20/2012 & rated 92 points: I absolutely love 2008 vintage Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noirs. Deep earth - not fruit forward. Long finish. Like a beautiful piece of ruby velvet floating across the center and sides of your tongue. I want to buy as many 2008s WV Pinots as I can get my hands on...and drink them one by one by one. (1829 views) | | | Tasted by StainedGlass on 10/24/2012 & rated 89 points: Light claret color. Some California pinots seems as heavy as cabs, but this is made in a light fruity style with silky tannins. Red cherries and some vanilla notes, with enough acid to make it all interesting. Very accessible by itself or with food. I think it is drinking well now. (1886 views) | | | Tasted by Jayarr on 10/9/2012: Pale in color but not in flavor. This was actually well balanced and not so sweet as I've found a lot of California pinots. Cranberry with some spice, earth and some dark cherry. Nice finish. Drank it over two nights and it was consistent. Lovely. (1702 views) | | | Tasted by Barry Notes on 7/5/2012 & rated 88 points: PnP. Clear, med/dark rudy red color. Light nose. Better after some glass time. Bigger Pino style, typical of CA. Good integration/balance, nice mid and finish. Smooth, crowd pleaser. Nothing off. $25 (1583 views) | | | Tasted by sipnwine on 4/15/2012: I wouldn't purchase this again.
Better value to be had. (2064 views) | | | Tasted by StainedGlass on 3/12/2012 & rated 86 points: Light ruby red in the glass. Very tight with a reticent nose, so perhaps not surprisingly it was hard to identify a particular fruit. Maybe a little raspberry and menthol and some heat. 14.4% abv. I'm going to let the bottle have another day or two to unfold. (1655 views) | | | Tasted by drheidi on 1/7/2012: Tasty and the price is right!! (2227 views) | | | Tasted by kleinahoe on 1/5/2012 & rated 91 points: Smooth, almost silky (1989 views) | | | Tasted by vinovin on 1/1/2012 & rated 91 points: Unbelievable. Nice cola notes, fruit lingers for a while. Some compote notes, very well done. (1766 views) | | | Tasted by lewisrise on 12/22/2011 & rated 94 points: Nose of cranberry and cola. Cranberry and cherry with a soft mouthfeel and a hint of cinnamon on the finish. (1987 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| Robert Stemmler Producer websitePinot Noir Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.
Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.
Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.
The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.
Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.
In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.
With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.
Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.USAAmerican wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.California2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson Napa / SonomaSONOMA: The Yorkville Highlands AVA, approved in 1998, is located in the southwestern corner of Mendocino County, between Sonoma County's Alexander Valley to the South and Mendocino County!s Anderson Valley to the North. The region is 25 miles long, roughly in the shape of rectangle and bisected by Highway 128 which runs the length of the AVA. The region!s terrain is hilly and forested, with elevations ranging from 1,078 to 2,442 feet above sea level.
The distinguishing features of the Yorkville Highlands AVA are rocky soils with a high gravel content and the climate, which is cooler than Alexander Valley but warmer than Anderson Valley, and significantly cooler at night than the surrounding areas.CarnerosStraddles the southern ends of Napa & Sonoma Counties. |
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