Gary's House in Lisle, IL
Tasted Friday, November 30, 2007 by Steve Jones with 721 views
It was a super event hosted by Gary and Shirley, with Keith, Claudio and Azita, Ben and Laura, Eric, Francis and I in attendance. Francis did us proud for food, too. Almond crusted wings, beans, coleslaw, corn bread, brined and rubbed beef ribs and marinated pork ribs. Great job!!!
Before the tasting Gary provided a nice Oergon pinot. We sipped and sampled as Francis brought out dinner.
My favorite wine of the night was in the first flight. The Samsarra was just everything for me. It hit on all cylinders. While none of these were slouches, the intense nose and flavors and complexity of Samsarra won me over. The Loring also surprised me when I went back later- it had evolved into a richer and more approachable wine. I was going a little lower but went back up to 89 and could even go higher with it. Eric had us warm up with a little rose before the "true" flight.
Eric got us a cleansing wine to sample at the start of flight 2, and he picked one to see if we agreed with Gary V on this wine. This a 2006; Gary reviewed the 2005. If the 2005 is as good, Gary was right! Overall, this was the best flight.
The 2003 Kistler Kistler Vineyard at 87 Points, 2005 Kosta Browne Russian River Valley at 87-88 Points, 2005 Pisoni Estate at 87-88 Points , and 2005 Kutch Russian River Valley at 88-89 Points made for a weak flight but only due to their youth. It is far too early tell what gems are
here. Loads of potential.
After the tasting this superb dessert wine accompanied the apple and spice dish prepared by Francis. Excellent!
I was amazed at the quality of the 12 pinots and only wish that I could repeat this in a year or two as these young wines gain some bottle age. Eric did a great job picking these wines! Thanks to him for the wine great selection, Francis for the superb dinner and Gary and Shirley for being gracious hosts.
2005 Chehalem Pinot Noir Three Vineyard 87 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Very nice structure. Not overly complex, but good body. Lighter on the finish
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