Community Tasting Note

River Rat wrote:

Friday, November 23, 2018 - I’ve had almost a half dozen wines I purchased from an old cellar/estate sale in the past week. Most of them early 2000s California Pinot Noir that have been well past their prime or helped along by unfavorable cellaring. This bottle of Lyeth was the last of the group.

Cork was still spongy and sealing all the way down to the liquid, +. First pour was a dusty, just barely bricking, burgundy red. Aromas of dried flowers, strawberry preserves and some saddle leather. Starts out a little flushed on the palate but then comes black cherry and a building acid lift turning the fruit tart then sweet strawberry on the tongue. With a bit of swirling the nose takes on some bell pepper and jalapeño aromas from the Cab Franc, ever evolving. Medium minus bodied, balanced and extremely enjoyable. Well integrated tannins frame the long floral finish.

I’ve had a lot of old wines that have tasted just like that. Old wines that have just hint of fruit but off-putting aromas that detract rather than enhnace. This wine is an excellent example of a well aged/well stored bottle where all the parts fit seamlessly enhancing one another. Like when you just nail a shot in golf. Reminds you of why you slog through the other shots in search of this kind of experience. Outstanding!

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