January 17, 2023 - shared with pat at selkirk manor. i continue to prune the cellar of bottles with past due drink by dates. i have overlooked this wine in recent years due to lack of feedback from others. cork extracted intact but wine has begun to invade the sidewall half way. last tasted this wine 1/19/2018. impressions tonight are pretty much the same. generous aroma fills the air upon opening and persists throughout 30 minute tasting. luscious red fruit and earth flavors. the wine is in perfect balance but retains structure to support further time in the bottle. some sediment in the last pour. overall, a remarkable showing considering that it is 13 years past the vintage and the winemaker projected a two to six year longevity. i am giving it an extra point tonight based upon this. however, i am thinking that remaining bottles should be consumed over the next year or two.
June 27, 2018 - PnP. With some air - suggest about 10 minute decant - this wine yields a nose full of earth and dark cherry. These follow on the palate, wrapped in juicy acidity, but with the earthy elements outweighing the fruit, which has lost some of its brightness. This may indicate that the wine is past its peak, so drink up.
January 19, 2018 - shared with pat at selkirk manor. celebrating the end of the work week. the wine is much the same as when last tasted 7/2016. holding up nicely. as other tasters have noted, the wine is immensely aromatic and bursting with fruit. it is hard to decide whether to prolong enjoying the aroma or proceed immediately to tasting. in the mouth, mostly red berries. full bodied but smooth with nice integration of all components. although it was quite enjoyable now, i can easily see it continuing to hold forth for another year. quite remarkable considering that this is in half bottle. i adjusted "drink latest" accordingly.
September 29, 2016 - No proper notes - probably one of the best pinot noirs from US ive ever tasted. This seemed to be perfect now with elegant and concentrated aromas, very well balanced and it made me sad that it was my last bottle. Outstanding quality, 92-93p
July 17, 2016 - shared with pat, marty and sandy at selkirk manor. celebrating the birth of our grand daughter, Giuliana Aurora Lepore. marty and i split the purchase of this wine two years ago. purchased directly from the winery. he had consumed his shortly after purchase. even though this wine was expected to live a bit longer, i wanted marty to have the opportunity to see the benefits of enjoying wine closer to full maturity. as other tasters have noted, the wine is immensely aromatic and bursting with fruit. it is hard to decide whether to prolong enjoying the aroma or proceed immediately to tasting. in the mouth, mostly red berries. full bodied but smooth with nice integration of all components. although it was quite enjoyable now, i can easily see it continuing to hold forth for another year. quite remarkable considering that this is in half bottle. was tempted to break out another one but we had already drunk our quota for the day.
January 8, 2016 - Mostly California (Hos Martin): Pure and ingratiatingly on the nose, with perfume and raspberries. Cool fruit, integrated oak, nice acidity. Some alcohol in the finish. Charming!
May 7, 2013 - Damn, this is so freakin' good! Bright and jumpy at the start, smooth at the end. An awesome, awesome wine