Probably my least favorite IH buubly. 86 Pinot/14 Chard. there is just a little hint of sweetness that I am not a fan of. Not saying that it is not good. Just not a fan.
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See my 12/26/12 notes: suffice it to say this bottle did not get back in the game. Any benefit of the doubt I gave this Iron Horse wine is gone. It's above average, but only barely. Almost a sweetness is there. And it's flattening. Not what what you would expect from this vintage from this vineyard. Glad I have no more in our cellar, and would not buy any more.
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See my 8/10/12 notes. This bottle was generally somewhat consistent, but the taste was not quite as good as earlier bottles. The brightness and complexity of flavors was not there. This cuvée, that has been fairly dry in earlier tastings, almost seems to be taking on a sweetness. Sparkle was beautiful, so I don't think the bottle was corked. It just was not as good as last. Hope my last bottle gets back in the game.
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Really nice Cali sparkling wine. First had this at the vineyard on 2007 (different vintage) and recalled how nice it was. It's a brut, but not overly dry. A lot of fruit is there, and there's a nice sense of complexity. The Pinot grapes bring a breadth of flavors that is braced a bit by the Chardonnay content. I agree with whomever said it opened up a bit shortly after pouring. Not like a red can, but it had a fuller taste after 10-15 minutes. For the price, this is quite a good sparkling wine, particularly if you compare it to Champagne costing twice as much or more. It's also nice that this wine is relatively easy to find.
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86% Pinot Noir and 14% Chardonnay aged 3 years on the yeast.....does need some time to open....a little sharp at times....some nice lemon and stones, crisp and refreshing....a little chalk dust, black cherry soda, bread dough, apple tart, tangy lemon mousse. It doesn't help this wine that I just had '02 Dom Pérignon last night....makes this sharp and angular....but can't compare the two.....not a bad domestic sparkler...but have had way better.
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Had a glass at home before the CSO New Years Eve party. Rusty gold. Nose of yeast, vanilla and pear. Luscious crisp palate of ripe peach, white cherry, vanilla, and lemon zest. Some smoke and herbs. Excellent length. Refreshing acidity. Fine, fine effervescence. A beuatiful, balanced Blanc de Noir from Calufornia.
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Very faint pink color, this is tight (in a good way) and crisp. It has some depth and a bit of weight with notes of vanilla, citrus and a hint of chalk. Because of its weight and good acidity, it holds up to many foods.
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On the nose, there is some apricot, a little strawberry, green apple, and slight breadiness. White stone fruits, and apple dominate the palate, with good body. Finishes clean and leesy.
At first I gave this an 89, but I'd like to revise. The day after opening, this sparkler opened up, becoming more mellow and complex.
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This is Iron Horse's Blanc de Noirs, made from predominantly Pinot Noir. It has a beautiful, pale-peach hue. Rich and creamy, like pure strawberries and cream, this is without doubt the most romantic of our Sparklings. It is dangerously easy to drink. A favorite for many, Iron Horse is probably best known for this cuvée.
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Better than I'd expected for Sonoma bubbles from this Champagne snob. Nice brioche nose, great bubbles, and a delicious wine even without the bubbles--will buy again.
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2/18/2014 - jfarley3 wrote: 90 Points
Still holding up well. See my previous tasting note.
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1/5/2014 - cycfan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Lemon zest and citrus on the bouquet. Crisp and medium bodied with lots of mineral, and hints of nectarine and lemon drops. Nice finish.
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8/9/2013 - Ecb1456 wrote: 87 Points
Probably my least favorite IH buubly. 86 Pinot/14 Chard. there is just a little hint of sweetness that I am not a fan of. Not saying that it is not good. Just not a fan.
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3/11/2013 - kennyd wrote: 85 Points
See my 12/26/12 notes: suffice it to say this bottle did not get back in the game. Any benefit of the doubt I gave this Iron Horse wine is gone. It's above average, but only barely. Almost a sweetness is there. And it's flattening. Not what what you would expect from this vintage from this vineyard. Glad I have no more in our cellar, and would not buy any more.
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12/26/2012 - kennyd wrote: 89 Points
See my 8/10/12 notes. This bottle was generally somewhat consistent, but the taste was not quite as good as earlier bottles. The brightness and complexity of flavors was not there. This cuvée, that has been fairly dry in earlier tastings, almost seems to be taking on a sweetness. Sparkle was beautiful, so I don't think the bottle was corked. It just was not as good as last. Hope my last bottle gets back in the game.
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12/25/2012 - wdlohr wrote: 92 Points
This personifies the champagne effort to me with an explosive taste of mineral and crisp with bubbling aftertaste to carry through.
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11/21/2012 - kennyd wrote: 91 Points
Consistent with my 8/10/12 notes. Really good QPR.
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8/10/2012 - kennyd wrote: 91 Points
Really nice Cali sparkling wine. First had this at the vineyard on 2007 (different vintage) and recalled how nice it was. It's a brut, but not overly dry. A lot of fruit is there, and there's a nice sense of complexity. The Pinot grapes bring a breadth of flavors that is braced a bit by the Chardonnay content. I agree with whomever said it opened up a bit shortly after pouring. Not like a red can, but it had a fuller taste after 10-15 minutes. For the price, this is quite a good sparkling wine, particularly if you compare it to Champagne costing twice as much or more. It's also nice that this wine is relatively easy to find.
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5/21/2012 - Mrbuzz Likes this wine: 88 Points
86% Pinot Noir and 14% Chardonnay aged 3 years on the yeast.....does need some time to open....a little sharp at times....some nice lemon and stones, crisp and refreshing....a little chalk dust, black cherry soda, bread dough, apple tart, tangy lemon mousse. It doesn't help this wine that I just had '02 Dom Pérignon last night....makes this sharp and angular....but can't compare the two.....not a bad domestic sparkler...but have had way better.
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2/13/2012 - ebert Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great champagne as always. Nice balance of crispness, dryness, and fruit flavors
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1/1/2012 - Wink wrote: 91 Points
Had a glass at home before the CSO New Years Eve party. Rusty gold. Nose of yeast, vanilla and pear. Luscious crisp palate of ripe peach, white cherry, vanilla, and lemon zest. Some smoke and herbs. Excellent length. Refreshing acidity. Fine, fine effervescence. A beuatiful, balanced Blanc de Noir from Calufornia.
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12/18/2011 - jfarley3 wrote: 90 Points
Very faint pink color, this is tight (in a good way) and crisp. It has some depth and a bit of weight with notes of vanilla, citrus and a hint of chalk. Because of its weight and good acidity, it holds up to many foods.
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11/30/2011 - la dut wrote: 90 Points
On the nose, there is some apricot, a little strawberry, green apple, and slight breadiness. White stone fruits, and apple dominate the palate, with good body. Finishes clean and leesy.
At first I gave this an 89, but I'd like to revise. The day after opening, this sparkler opened up, becoming more mellow and complex.
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8/28/2011 - jonysan Likes this wine: 88 Points
Nice aperitif on a hot summer day. Citrus and toast flavors. Good balance. Not too sweet.
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8/27/2011 - jwells wrote: 90 Points
A delicious bubbly. Prior descriptions of yeast flavors are right on. I got lemons and vanilla too.
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4/13/2011 - ILTDW wrote: 90 Points
Yeasty aroma. Creamy, yeasty taste and feel. Love it!
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3/18/2011 - ICanHasWine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fantastic! Light and fresh. This has changed my opinion of bubbly for the better.
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1/30/2011 - lsnider wrote: 90 Points
Consistant notes. Wonderful wine.
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9/4/2010 - raydawgone wrote: 88 Points
Yeast with lemon and orange rhine.
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8/16/2010 - lsnider wrote: 90 Points
My go to sparkler. The only one my wife will drink. Wonderful mouth feel of bubbles, fruit and yeast.
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6/13/2010 - stantheman wrote: 91 Points
Wonderful spakling for any occasion. Crisp with notes of toast and a brilliant effervescence.
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6/10/2010 - joshwoodward wrote: 90 Points
Corks: Pinot (Rossford, OH): Shyish nose. Crisp, slightly leesy, creamy, delicious. Riper than a typical Champagne. Good acidity.
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5/30/2010 - mondorides Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is Iron Horse's Blanc de Noirs, made from predominantly Pinot Noir. It has a beautiful, pale-peach hue. Rich and creamy, like pure strawberries and cream, this is without doubt the most romantic of our Sparklings. It is dangerously easy to drink. A favorite for many, Iron Horse is probably best known for this cuvée.
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4/1/2010 - zheem wrote:
Better than I'd expected for Sonoma bubbles from this Champagne snob. Nice brioche nose, great bubbles, and a delicious wine even without the bubbles--will buy again.
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1/18/2010 - Pour House wrote: 89 Points
Yeast and dough on the nose. Peach, vanilla and toast on the pallet.
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