USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Nice pinot from the Santa Maria Valley. Took a solid three hours to fully open. A strong nose of strawberry muddled with grass, walnut, and a funk that more resembles NZ (think armpit) than Burgundy. As a matter of fact, blind, I would have guessed NZ pinot. Palate doesn't quite live up to the nose, but is certainly more than respectable showing some light strawberry and grass, presented elegantly and in an admirably lengthy fashion. This is a nice bottle and has a solid five years ahead of it.
Certainly has a deeper nose than the ABC tasted alongside it, though not quite as full. The nose evokes kola nut and salty river stones, heavily mineral-driven with a bit of cherry peeping through. Saturates the mouth with a weighty feel. Subdued fruits taking the backstage for tight oak tannins, a hint of orange and some smoke. Super-smooth and well balanced with acidity. This is a tough wine to guage, but I think it's built for another half decade. I'd let it go a little longer before popping another.
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chorey-les-Beaune
This is a bit of a lovely trainwreck at this point in its life. Smokey, oxidized stewed fruits in the nose meet with a touch of sulfur. Salty and minerally in the mouth--broad and savory, with an extremely long and layered finish revealing plum and hot rocks. While not of the best provenance, I can't help but appreciate the persistence and nobility of this bottle. This is a wine that stays with you--both in the mouth and memory. There still are great values in Burgundy....if you know where to look.
2007 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus 87 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Nice pinot from the Santa Maria Valley. Took a solid three hours to fully open. A strong nose of strawberry muddled with grass, walnut, and a funk that more resembles NZ (think armpit) than Burgundy. As a matter of fact, blind, I would have guessed NZ pinot. Palate doesn't quite live up to the nose, but is certainly more than respectable showing some light strawberry and grass, presented elegantly and in an admirably lengthy fashion. This is a nice bottle and has a solid five years ahead of it.
Drink now or hold. 87+ -JRS
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2006 Torii Mor Pinot Noir 88 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Certainly has a deeper nose than the ABC tasted alongside it, though not quite as full. The nose evokes kola nut and salty river stones, heavily mineral-driven with a bit of cherry peeping through. Saturates the mouth with a weighty feel. Subdued fruits taking the backstage for tight oak tannins, a hint of orange and some smoke. Super-smooth and well balanced with acidity. This is a tough wine to guage, but I think it's built for another half decade. I'd let it go a little longer before popping another.
88+ -JRS
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1997 Domaine Tollot-Beaut Chorey-les-Beaune 85 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chorey-les-Beaune
This is a bit of a lovely trainwreck at this point in its life. Smokey, oxidized stewed fruits in the nose meet with a touch of sulfur. Salty and minerally in the mouth--broad and savory, with an extremely long and layered finish revealing plum and hot rocks. While not of the best provenance, I can't help but appreciate the persistence and nobility of this bottle. This is a wine that stays with you--both in the mouth and memory. There still are great values in Burgundy....if you know where to look.
Drink now. 85 -JRS
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