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 Vintage2007 Label 1 of 15 
TypeRed
ProducerScherrer Winery (web)
VarietyPinot Noir
Designation'Big Brother'
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionSonoma County
AppellationSonoma Coast

Drinking Windows and Values
Drinking window: Drink between 2012 and 2018 (based on 23 user opinions)
Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See Scherrer Pinot Noir Big Brother on the Wine Market Journal.

Community Tasting History

Community Tasting Notes (average 91.9 pts. and median of 92 pts. in 47 notes) - hiding notes with no text

 Tasted by Dbass1979 on 6/12/2018 & rated 89 points: Good color, and nice nose, but tasted a little sweet/sour (not sure how else to describe it). It was like it was either approaching it's end, or as sometimes happens with Fred's wines, was in an unbalanced phase of it's aging. (1410 views)
 Tasted by rosenst1 on 2/17/2017 & rated 90 points: PnP - perfect cork and fill. Medium dark red. Spicy nose. Quite full on the palate with a nice crunchy quality to the fruit on the finish. The liveliness of this at age 10 is impressive and driven more by acids than tannins. This does lack complexity. This could hold for another 5 years without a problem; no idea if it will improve. (1897 views)
 Tasted by King Cab on 11/8/2015: Dark and still lively. Nose of pure black cherries and cassis. Palate shows the near over-ripe this has achieved, it's 'cusping'. Its deep and bold and full of sweet juicy fruits, this is really a Cabernet drinkers Pinot--- up until now that term has elluded me. I like the freshness and fullness while being weighted very precisely. Balance is decent and tannins still have a ways to go. Finish is true and long. It won't win the award for Miss Pinot 2015 but it could be the bouncer at the door. (2760 views)
 Tasted by Dbass1979 on 7/17/2015 & rated 92 points: Beautiful wine. Showing well, but with lots of room to hold. (2484 views)
 Tasted by DougLee on 5/25/2015 & rated 91 points: Dark ruby color. Nose of blackberry, raspberry, anise, violets, earth. Lots of dark plum, black raspberry, and Bing cherry on the drenching palate with notes of moca, cola, and even a bit of tar thrown in. Moderate acidity and structured tannins leading to a very concentrated, satisfyingly grippy finish. Big, robust pinot, very much reflecting its California roots. (2627 views)
 Tasted by RobbieC on 7/4/2014 & rated 92 points: Lovely. Well balanced all around. (2777 views)
 Tasted by Jbird73 on 5/3/2014 & rated 93 points: Nose is full of aromas of dark berries and cherries. The mouthfeel is fantastic and the finish is long and sweet. This is such a great bottle right now. Not happy this is last '07. Time to go beg for more. Fantastic. (2424 views)
 Tasted by shaferguy91 on 3/27/2014 & rated 92 points: No decant. Loved it. (2107 views)
 Tasted by DougLee on 2/16/2014 & rated 92 points: Chilled then popped and poured. Deep ruby color. Nose of red plum, raspberry, violets, anise, earth. Big, buoyant flavors of smoky raspberry, gooseberry, briar, and tangy red cherry balanced nicely by good structure on the palate, mixed with a bit of earth and flint. Ample acidity and smoothed tannins. Long, echoing finish of brambles, red fruit, and sweet grip. Wonderful display of exuberant red fruit in a disciplined package. (2011 views)
 Tasted by shaferguy91 on 1/23/2014 & rated 92 points: No decant. (2039 views)
 Tasted by shaferguy91 on 11/25/2013 & rated 91 points: Not decanted. (1551 views)
 Tasted by dave kammerer on 11/11/2013 & rated 90 points: still young but very tasty. (1569 views)
 Tasted by rosenst1 on 7/7/2013 & rated 91 points: Popped and poured. Medium deep red. Lovely fragrant nose of berries and spice; medium weight on the palate, but lovely balance. This is drinking very well at age 6. (1913 views)
 Tasted by Jbird73 on 2/4/2013 & rated 92 points: In a word...outstanding. I have had the '06 and now the '07 and this is truly one of my favorite Pinots of the last year and at the price ($45-$50), I am hard pressed to come up with others in the same league. Of course you can get equally great bottles for more than $50 but this is outstanding. Beautiful dark red / light purple in the glass, lovely aromas and the mothfeel is medium weight, smooth and velvety and the finish matches it all. This will make you want more. Great bottle! (2214 views)
 Tasted by DougLee on 5/19/2012 & rated 92 points: Popped and poured. Dark ruby. Potent nose of blackberry and iodine. Just got a couple of sips but the deep, rich flavors of raspberry and bing cherry were in abundance and quite delicious. Another winner. (2851 views)
 Tasted by mhauser on 2/26/2012 & rated 92 points: Big Brother is aptly named. This is a hefty wine, with lots going for it. Lots of sweet cherry, nice spice, black tea and licorice, a decent amount of oak (but not too much), and good acidity. Rich on the palate. Awesome juice. (2867 views)
 Tasted by DougLee on 1/28/2012: Quick taste, just as lovely as last time. (2812 views)
 Tasted by cadamson on 12/12/2011 & rated 92 points: same again, constantly good, should have bought a truckload (2902 views)
 Tasted by air guitar & pinot noir on 11/30/2011 & rated 92 points: This is a wonderful Pinot that has settled in and hit its full stride and structure. It is beautifully colored and exudes red fruit, spice and floral elements. The palate is perfectly balanced and delivers all you want in a world class Pinot Noir. Graceful and elegant with purity of fruit and a long finish. Flavors of plum, cherry and a bit of cedar in a perfect delivery. Classic Scherrer effort here!! (2529 views)
 Tasted by cadamson on 11/10/2011 & rated 92 points: Dotto from six months ago, has not moved. Good stuff. (2561 views)
 Tasted by air guitar & pinot noir on 10/31/2011 & rated 92 points: A refined and alluring aroma and flavor profile. Dusty rose petals waft from the glass and follow to the palate. While black fruit still predominates the spice tones and red fruit character came through moreso in this bottle. A bit of cedar or sandalwood qualities, coupled with an enduring floral element carry throughout the medium palate and finish. Dusty comes back to mind again and again in a very positive descriptor of the flavor profile. (2425 views)
 Tasted by air guitar & pinot noir on 9/19/2011 & rated 93 points: I got more red fruit on the nose this time with red raspberry and some cinnamon and spice undertones. The palate still offers pure black fruit with ripe plums, cherry and great structure and balance. This wine has nicely integrated tannins with the exceptional fruit and just the right level of acidity to carry through to a long finish. (2438 views)
 Tasted by Mike Dildine on 9/13/2011 & rated 93 points: As you would expect from Fred Scherrer, this is an impeccable wine, beautifully made. Delicious! (2453 views)
 Tasted by air guitar & pinot noir on 8/22/2011 & rated 93 points: Continually amazed with the diversity and complexity of this wine. A buffet of dark fruits with taste nuances framed with good acidity and balance throughout. Lovely mouthfeel and rich, ripe fruit. Great layering of flavors and subtleties throughout with hints of spice, mocha, and even more savory notes. Lasts and lasts on the finish. Great wine! (2399 views)
 Tasted by rjonwine@gmail.com on 6/18/2011 & rated 92 points: 2011 Pinot Days: 183 Wines from 65 Producers (Fort Mason Festival Pavillon, San Francisco, California): Tart cherry, raspberry nose; tart raspberry, tart black cherry palate; medium-plus finish (4016 views)
 Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine...

Professional 'Channels'
By Antonio Galloni
Vinous, Sonoma...A Thrill a Minute (Jul 2013)
(Scherrer Pinot Noir Big Brother Sonoma Coast) Subscribe to see review text.
By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, May/June 2010, IWC Issue #150
(Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir Big Brother Sonoma Coast) Subscribe to see review text.
By Allen Meadows
Burghound, October 2009, Issue #36
(Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir Big Brother Villages Red) Subscribe to see review text.
By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (6/18/2011)
(Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir 'Big Brother') Tart cherry, raspberry nose; tart raspberry, tart black cherry palate; medium-plus finish  92 points
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Vinous and Burghound and RJonWine.com. (manage subscription channels)

CellarTracker Wiki Articles (login to edit | view all articles)

Scherrer Winery

Producer website

Scherrer Winery produces small batches of Pinot Noir, Old Vine Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvingon from the Russian River and Alexander Valleys.

Everyone seems to believe in doing minimal manipulation with the goal of letting the vineyard site speak. Additionally, I try to make good tasting wine that will age well. Since grapes do not walk off the vines and into the winery, let alone into barrels and bottles, we must actually do something with the grapes and wine along the way from time to time. Rest assured that I do try to get in the way as little as possible while trying to achieve the desired outcome. Most of our work is done and choices are made during the harvest season. Afterward, there is little reason to touch a wine on a wonderful trajectory. With the exception of our Dry Rosé, all our wines are bottled without fining or filtration. I regularly underplay the wines' provenance rather than overplay it. This causes some confusion and frustrates merchants who sell our wines. For this, I offer my apologies. I am, however, unlikely to change this deeply engrained habit.

Pinot 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.

USA

American 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.

California

2021 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

Sonoma County

Mendocino County

Sonoma Coast

* Sonoma Coast AVA (Wikipedia)
* Sonoma Coast AVA (Wine Institue)

 
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