Saturday afternoon with friends

Tasted Monday, November 14, 2011 by Loren Sonkin with 581 views

Introduction

A semi-regular group of us got together to drink some wines last Saturday. All wines were first consumed blind and then non-blind over 2.5 hours. The theme was Pinot Noir.

Flight 1 (11 Notes)

  • 1999 Domaine Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Rouge 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru

    Ruby, clear and bright. The nose has some funk and some cherries. Maybe a hint past prime although this kept getting younger and cleaner with air. Nice acidity. Complex flavors of cherries, dark cherries and some anise. A bit of funk. Nice wine. I hoped for more, but nice wine.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 St. Joseph Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve 85 Points

    USA, Ohio, Grand River Valley

    This showed much better than expected. This was solid and reasonable. Its hard to do Pinot Noir in Ohio. Light ruby in color. The nose is cherries and an herbal quality; perhaps thyme that is odd. Its a bit simple and a bit candied on the palate, but nothing off. The finish turns a bit bitter. Some liked it more than I, but certainly a wine worth drinking if found open on the table.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2007 Charles Krug Winery (Peter Mondavi Family) Pinot Noir Limited Release Dr. Maurice Galante 85 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    Raspberry/cherry candy on the nose. The palate has some simple cherries. Slightly bitter on the finish. Not much difference in quality between this and the Ohio Pinot. Both are respectable but not great. I guess one expects more from California.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2001 Monsupello Pinot Nero 3309 Flawed

    Italy, Lombardia, Oltrepò Pavese

    Past prime. Dominated by VA.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    Served blind, it was nice to confirm that I like this wine. Deep in color. The nose has black cherries with a slight root beer note. The palate matches. Nice texture. Easy to drink but with some interest. Young.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2001 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    Ruby/purple in color. The nose has some cherry cough drop notes to it. Also a hint of forest floor. On the palate, more tart cherries. Some complexity but not a lot although this tastes like it is not young. Nice.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2000 Fiddlehead Cellars Pinot Noir Elton Flawed

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

    TCA

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2005 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard 93 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    I thought this was fantastic. Its full throttle and young. Despite its size, it is balanced. Perhaps a slight bit of alcohol showing. Lots of dark cherries on the nose and palate. Nice aacidity. Long finish. Lots of time for this, but lots of fun right now.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2005 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard Flawed

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    Sadly, this was corked.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2008 Capiaux Cellars Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard 89 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    purple in color, slight ruby hue. This is big and oaky and the classic "cherry milk shake" Pinot. Sweet cherry fruit, vanilla and a thick lush mouth texture. Depends on what you like but this is a very pleasant wine if, for my taste, lacking the complexity that I want, even in a young wine.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

  • 2004 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing 86 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

    Second time having this wine in a couple of weeks and I think i liked this one less. Ruby color. dusty cherries on the nose. Lots of alcohol. Slightly disjointed. There is some thick mouthfeel that I like. Its not bad but not what I like in a Pinot.

    Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

×
×