Community Tasting Notes 5

• oldwines Likes this wine: 96 points

  September 4, 2021 - Fish and Fire by Shane (Chateau Lea, New Jersey): Double decanted at 3-3:30pm and left open until serving at about 9pm when it was served with orange glazed grilled salmon as the 6th of 7 courses. This was a bright medium ruby crimson. The nose was a little spicy and fresh, with red berries, herbs and anise. Great acidity and balance with depth and a rich, chewy, unctuous texture. This wine hit lots of high points for me. Flavors included pomegranate, cherry, strawberry, anise and tarragon with a very long charcoal infused finish. Perfect with the salmon. Our host’s and my red WOTN. Plenty of life left if properly cellared, easily another decade or two.

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• mestrauss wrote: 96 points

  September 16, 2012 - The first of these I've tried after 6 years in the cellar. Absolutely superb - the best Pinot I've had. Subtle, yet elegant with prominent fruit. Terrific upon opening and kept getting better - the pairing with Cornish Hens brought out the best in this wine.

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• mhauser wrote: 95 points

  August 19, 2012 - I absolutely loved this. At first open and hours later, it just kept singing. Minerals and oak and fruit and spice and acidity and focus all in balance.

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• Margauxguy wrote: 94 points

  December 30, 2010 - I really like this wine. The most grand cur like California wine. Not quite the length or power, but beautiful subtlety and elegance. Some cherry cola, but balanced and integrated. Early in them drinking window, open early and let come to room tempature. Yum yum yum.

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• Mondial wrote: 93 points

  December 10, 2007 - Smooth-required little decanting. Fruity, delicate -- everything a thin Pinot is not.

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Wine Definition

• Vintage 2003
• Type Red
• Producer Hanzell
• Varietal Pinot Noir
• Designation Ambassadors 1953 Vineyard
• Vineyard n/a
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Sonoma County
• Appellation Sonoma Valley

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 0 (0%)
• In Cellars 39 (41%)
• Consumed 57 (59%)

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