February 9, 2024 - First time with R Furst pinot noir. Alc was 13.5% on bottle but felt more than that, so slightly unbalanced. Came up more austere than I expected. Wine is still in a good spot, it has 2/3 years to go, still some fruit left but felt more spices. A good PN, but too austere for my taste
January 16, 2023 - Pop and pour. This bottle is over the hill. Weird. Loads of coffee and toast but not much else.
November 7, 2020 - Made with grapes sourced from vineyards planted to Dijon clones of Pinot Noir. 13,5% alcohol.
Dark, luminous and moderately translucent cherry red with a hint of developed pomegranate hue. Rich, ripe and somewhat sweet-toned nose with ripe aromas of raspberries and red cherries, some toasty oak spice, light meaty tones, a little bit of peppery spice, hints of wild strawberries and a cooling touch of herbal lift. All in all the nose feels quite seductive, but not entirely Burgundian - with the ripe tones it makes me think more of a well-made Burgundy imitation from the new world. The wine is juicy, harmonious and wonderfully silky on the palate with a medium body and layered flavors of ripe forest fruits, some mocha oak, light peppery tones, a little bit of cocoa, a crunchy hint of fresh cranberries and a touch of meaty umami. There seems to be quite a bit of oak here, but it is wonderfully integrated with the ripe fruit so it doesn't stick out at all. Very balanced, moderately high acidity and ripe, textural tannins that slowly pile up on the gums. The finish is ripe and juicy with long, persistent flavors of ripe cranberries and red cherries, some juicy dark forest fruits, light plummy tones, a little bit of toasty oak spice, an umami hint of roasted meat and a touch of savory wood spice.
A tasty, harmonious and elegant Pinot Noir that reminds me more of a new world Pinot Noir bowing deep into the direction of Burgundy than a true Spätburgunder or red Burgundy. Despite its 8 years of age, the wine is still quite youthful and lively, showing good potential for future improvement. Although the wine has obviously seen quite a bit of oak, it never really distracts me from the pleasure, as the emphasis is on the vibrant, nuanced fruit. However, I'm sure the wine will perform even better as the oak continues to integrate and disappear. Not an astounding wine, but a very enjoyable and delightful all the same. Recommended.
May 6, 2020 - During a Zoom blind tasting with friends. This really screamed Pinot Noir from the glass. Bright raspberry with lovely toasty oak. More new world than Burg style but fresh and restraint which points to a cooler site. I was guessing Felton Road NZ. Excellent mid mouth feel, fresh, balanced. Another Great showing for Furst.
September 10, 2018 - Expressive and complex nose of bright red berries, well integrated sweet oak spice, herbacious elements (whole cluster fermentation?) and hints of iron. Attacks the palate with sweet, pure and concentrated pinot fruit without being overly extracted. Elegant and supple, but with underlying power and energy. Very good persistence, finishes with lovely bitters.
June 10, 2015 - Gorgeous nose already - creamy fruit, expressive cherries and red berries, lovely depth of fruit, spicy and slightly smoky. On the palate good texture, firm tannins, succulent fruit, nice mineral notes, super finish - persistent and lingering. Keep. 94-95+