1973 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma County

Community Tasting Notes (4) Avg Score: 86 points

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  10/27/2018 - gutt22 Likes this wine:

  This is a remarkable wine. Bought on release and stored impeccably before my purchase in June 2018. The wine had an exceptional fill level and color -- a lustrous red cherry color with lightening but only light bricking at the rim of the glass. I was a little worried how this might show from 750 ml bottle, given the showing in 2009 from magnum, which was extraordinary. But this was every bit the lively, gorgeous Pinot Noir that it was almost a decade ago. A stunning, captivating bouquet of shockingly bright cherry fruit, dried rose petals, mushroom, earth, and baking spice. On the palate, it simply unfolded and expanded, with improbable liveliness. The finish lasted ages. This is a landmark wine and an incredible treat. What a showing! A+

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  3/14/2009 - gutt22 wrote:

  From magnum. A pure treat and delight. Rod was unbelievably kind in sharing this with us. And what a magnificent wine it is. Even in its 36th year, this is just a delight. Cork was saturated. Some bricking at the rim of the glass. Amazingly full and vivacious bouquet, with dried cherry, orange zest, flowers, mushrooms, earth, and minerals. In the mouth, a textural marvel, just rolling across the palate with such finesse and grace, perfectly balanced, and still concentrated. The fruit is so lively, with tremendous complexity opening up as you hold the wine in your mouth. Still an acidic kick. Long finish. This is one of the legends of California Pinot, and it has earned that reputation for sure. An unreal experience getting to drink it. A+

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  2/26/2009 - Keith Levenberg wrote: 78 Points

  This threw so much sediment in the bottle that it spackled literally half the interior a deep red. But apparently it's been stored well and never moved from its release till its recent consignment. This showed pretty similar to the wine before, which I guessed to be a '76 Burgundy, but this one was amped up a little in midpalate sweetness and molasses which led me to guess an old Cali. Can't say it was very enjoyable, but an interesting curiosity.

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  5/17/2008 - PaulH wrote: 94 Points

  The initial commercial release of Joseph Swan Pinot Noir, made from vines that were four years old at the time. (Those same vines are still there). Medium dark brick clay red color with medium translucence. Nose still shows elegant pinot noir fruit with some dust and forest floor. With the tannins fully resolved the palate shows a smooth and luscious wonder of a wine, that despite the claimed 12.5% alcohol coats your mouth like raspberry velvet with a long smooth finish. Clearly an older wine, the exuberance of youth has been replaced by elegance and seamless balance. It lacks only the layers of flavors and complexity of the world's greatest wines. An absolutely wonderful pinot noir.

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