Tasting Row Eleven Wines 12/17/2009

About once a year, the good people at Gervais & Vine invite the regional representative from Row Eleven Winery to bring us up to date. Row Eleven has a nice touch with Pinot Noir both from southern and northern California. These wines always show well and are quite reasonably priced.

• 2007 Row Eleven Civello 88 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

  An interesting fun blend that works. Designed to be easy drinking and versatile, you can pour this in any situation. From the nose you can immediately tell there is Gewurztraminer in the blend. Next we get some of that oily, lychee fruit character. On the other hand, the Pinot Gris, and Verdhello bring a sharp, rustic, more acidic character. Balanced. Not exactly complex, but very tasty.

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• 2008 Row Eleven Pinot Noir Viñas 3 88 Points

  USA, California

  I liked this. The blend of fruit from southern California, Santa Maria Valley, Monterrey, and Russian River makes the sum better than the whole. Very approachable, yet characteristically pinot. Spicy,fruity nose, but the really cool thing is the smell of bacon fat, that gives a very interesting undertone. Medium bodied, nice mouthfeel. Balanced, nice acidity, alcohol is very well integrated, only mildly tanic. Some bing cherry, blackberry, and cranberry. Silky smooth finish. Sip it or accomodate food. Also a decent value.

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• 2007 Row Eleven Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  This is really getting there. Tasted alongside it's Santa Maria Valley 2006 sibling, this one showed the potential of the Russian River for Pinot Noir. You can just feel the deep opulent ripeness of the grapes. The nose had an intense spiciness, almost like a Syrah. Tons of ripe strawberry and red raspberry fruit. Quite heavy for a Pinot, in a good way that brings a lingering complexity. Very rounded, tasty, and easy to drink. almost can't wait for the next sip. Kept getting better in the glass. So balanced, it seems a little sweet. The concentration of flavors continues all the way to the finish.

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• 2006 Row Eleven Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley 89 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley

  Right there at the glass ceiling for a 90 point wine. Still young and a little tannic, this is a well made, balanced Pinot. Lots of red fruit on the nose, but accented with some complex spiciness, and just a touch of earthiness.Blackberry and roasted blueberry fruit, even some red raspberry and cranberry. Noticeable, but not overpowering acidity. Some aging will integrate those tannins. The alcohol is almost not noticeable. Strong fruity finish. Almost a bruiser for a Pinot Noir, I think another year in the bottle will make a delightful difference.

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• 2005 Row Eleven Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Subtle, interesting, complex, and smooth Napa Valley Cabernet for a little more than $20. They held it back to age for almost 4 years after crush, which really helped with the balance and integration. This is by no means a blockbuster, but rather quite elegant and silky. Easily has the layers and complexity for this type of score. The intense red and black fruit are enhanced by the beginnings of those secondary flavors like licorice, caramel, cola, mocha, and black tea. Full bodied all the way to a considerable finish.

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