phlin

Not much activity here these days, which means that it is probably safe to start posting again.

Just a little dinner with friends. :)

CLASSIC BORDEAUX AND CALIFORNIA CABS - Casa Dietz - Santa Ana, CA (4/11/2009)

Champagne

• 1990 Deutz Champagne Cuvée William Deutz - France, Champagne
  My impressions of this wine differed from Cris, but then again, I was drinking this out of a Zalto stem, which IMO tends to make Champagne taste more youthful and vibrant. Notes of nougat, baked green apples, crushed shells, and, with air, toffee and bruléed sugar. Precise and focused on the palate, with a lively acidity, and a long rich chalk-laden finish. Very enjoyable. (93 pts.)


• 1999 Claude Carré et Fils Champagne Cuvée Passion - France, Champagne
  The first time I tasted this wine was in November of 2008. I gave it 91 points then and thought that it was surprisingly good for the price. Tasting it again over the weekend, I realize that that first bottle was not a fluke. This is a terrific wine for the price. Chalky on the palate with a nervy acidity, this wine exhibits notes of green and golden apples, starfruit, and a touch of cucumber and minerals on the finish. A very distinctive wine. (91 pts.)

Chardonnay

• 1990 Stony Hill Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa Valley
  The nose and palate seemed very cloaked at first. Then the TCA took over. NR (flawed)


• 1993 Talley Vineyards Chardonnay Estate Arroyo Grande Valley - USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Grande Valley
  This wine was holding up rather well considering its age. It's not often that one drinks (and enjoys) a 26 year old Chardonnay. Notes of preserved lemons, pastry cream, chopped almonds, and chalk. Smooth and delicate on the palate with a muted acidity. A delight to taste. (90 pts.)


• 2006 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
  The fact that this wine was decanted for 8 hours is probably a testament to its quality and potential longevity. Rugged notes of lemon peel, smoke, grilled limes, and crushed shells. Tangy acidity with a long steely finish. (88 pts.)

Pre-dinner

• 1967 Château Léoville Barton - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
  This wine was clearly past its prime, but that is not to say it had completely lost its merits. Fading notes of mushrooms, white cherries, tobacco, and slate. A short, tart, and gasping finish. (85 pts.)


• 1987 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon The Montelena Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley
  This gorgeous wine is a classic expression of California Cabernet. It has old Hollywood written all over it. Glamourous notes of black cherries, crushed raspberries, cassis, wet soil, licorice, and saddle leather. Rich, structured, and complex. A brilliant wine and easily my WOTN. (95 pts.)


• 1993 Etude Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley
  A little hard to believe that this was the youngest Cab-based wine at the table. Ripe notes of sour cherries, red plums, red currants, tobacco, and dried herbs. With air, the wine picks up some dark chocolate. Fleshy on the plate with a long finish. Fun to drink. (91 pts.)

1982 Bordeaux

• 1982 Château Léoville Barton - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
  This wine was corked, unfortunately, but underneath the TCA lurked powerful notes of cassis, graphite, and cedar. Major bummer! NR (flawed)


• 1982 Château Léoville Las Cases - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
  This epic and legendary wine was a delight to drink. That said, between Parker's 100 points and Suckling's 95, I think the bar of expectations was set a little too high. Don't get me wrong; this was a joy to drink, but I do not think it is worth the tariff, nor do I think it is going to get any better with time. Notes of violets, currants, crushed raspberries, cedar, sweet tobacco, graphite and bitter chocolate. Broad and expansive on the palate with a slightly tart finish. 93-94 points. (93 pts.)

1991 Ridge

• 1991 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
  Notes of cassis, cigar box, anise, and dried herbs. Balanced and elegant and probably the most ready to drink of the three. 91-92 points. (91 pts.)


• 1991 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Jimsomare - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
  This wine had an Old World character to it; it could have easily been a ringer in a line-up of Bordeaux. Earthy notes of red fruits, cedar, wet soil, and graphite. Dense and tannic on the palate with a herbal finish. 92-93 points. (92 pts.)


• 1991 Ridge Monte Bello - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
  In contrast to the Jimsomare, this one came across as more New World in character. Ripe notes of mint, black fruits, chocolate, leather, graphite and wet loamy soil. Slightly pruney on the palate. Clearly the richest of the three Ridges and in definite need of more time (or a healthy decant). 92-93 points. (92 pts.)

Post-dinner

• 1973 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder
  Earthy and gamey with notes of candy bars, red currants, and leather. Still chugging along with no signs of fading. (88 pts.)


• 1974 Quinta do Noval Porto Colheita - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  Excellent. Notes of candied pecans, maraschino cherries, and pie crust. What's not to like about that? (93 pts.)

I used to have a roommate who would tease me about my passion for wine. Whenever I started to talk about wine, she would roll her eyes and cry out, "You're such a wine snob!" Of course, I always suspected that her response was more a function of her insecurity and ignorance about wine, a defensive gesture that revealed her class consciousness and provincialist fears, but I always bristled at her accusation. As someone who has her doctorate in chemistry, is an avid cross-country runner, and who considers herself a connoisseur of microbrews, she of all people should have understood and appreciated my geeky interest in wine. It always struck me as odd that she could hold people to a higher standard in discussions about science, the mechanics of sports training, and the aesthetics of beer, but the second someone would attempt to move beyond Two Buck Chuck (her brand of choice), she would brand them as a wine snob.

Well if the desire to seek something better than Charles Shaw makes me a wine snob, then so be it. Life is too short to drink bad wine. In that spirit, allow me to toast her with a celebratory tasting note, the 1996 Krug, probably the finest Champagne I have tasted to date. It is a Grail wine, one that if provided the means, I would buy in bulk and without remorse. So here's to the wine snobs, or in this case, the vintelligentsia. Cheers!

• 1996 Krug Champagne Brut - France, Champagne
  Tasted at K&L's annual Champagne event. This wine is simply unreal. Probably the best champagne I have had to date. Powerful and intense notes of pear, green apples, ginger, yeast, and baking spices. Finishes with a refined minerality. Vibrant yet ethereal, it just dances upon the palate! 97+ points. (97 pts.)

FALLTACULAR 2009 - Casa Murray - San Juan Capistrano, CA (1/24/2009)

For California Pinot Noir, 2007 looks to be a strong year. Exhibiting some of the opulent ripeness of 2004 and the refined elegance of 2005, 2007 should be a welcome post-partisan response to lovers of all things Pinot. It was a vintage that allowed winemakers to make the kind of Pinot that they wanted and not just have to deal with the vintage they were dealt, which was the case (for many) in the very warm 2004 and the very soggy 2006.

On January 24, 2009, I got a brief glimpse of some 2007 Pinots, as well as a smattering of 2004s, 2005s and 2006s. The standout producers, to my mind, are August West and Clos Pepe. The August West Rosella’s was not only my WOTD, but also many others; the two bottles at the tasting were quickly drained amongst a huddled mass of oohs and ahhs. The Clos Pepe Estate proved that one does not have to be in your face in order to be noticed; this wine was all about power and grace. I was also very impressed with Brian Loring’s offerings this year, and I think this latest batch of Pinot may be his best yet.

Some disappointments this year included Melville and, to a lesser extent, Siduri. While I am typically a huge fan of Melville Pinots, I wonder about their stylistic choices. For example, while the estate bottling sees very little oak, their small lot bottlings see a lot of whole-cluster inclusion. The result is a very candied expression of Pinot in the estate and a stemmy and earthy red Burg wannabe in the small lots. As for Siduri, I am not quite sure what to make of them yet. I was expecting to be blown away by their Pisoni and Rosella’s Pinots, but upon tasting them, I found them just to be very good. Both wines seemed very restrained to me, so perhaps they are still in the throes of bottle shock. Only time will tell.

Of course, the final verdict on 2007 remains to be seen. This was just a sneak preview. But based upon what I have already tasted, this is definitely a performance I want to watch.

• N.V. Yann Alexandre Champagne Grande Réserve Courmas - France, Champagne
  This Champagne tasted a bit older than it perhaps is. In place of green apples and yeast are baked apples and bread crust, with crushed minerals and lemon curd rounding out the palate. A nice sparkler from a relatively unknown producer (at least to me). 89-90 points. (89 pts.)


• 2005 Ampelos Pinot Noir Ampelos Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
  What happens when you bring a 2005 to a 2007 battle? Well, it's a little like bringing a shotgun to a pistol duel. In this case, I was the one who was blown away. Vibrant and pure notes of Bing cherries, ripe strawberries, and crushed minerals -- just delicious. My notes say, "Straight up good!" 90-91 points. (90 pts.)


• 2007 Armonie Cellars Pinot Noir Split Rock Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  A very ripe expression of this sight. Notes of raisins, black plums, black cherries, and hard spices. Large scaled and quite intense on the palate. (87 pts.)


• 2007 August West Pinot Noir Graham Family Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Compared to the Rosella's, this Pinot came across as less approachable and more aggressive on the palate. Notes of black cherries, black raspberries, and wet soil. Dense and compact with a slightly gravelly finish. Has promise, but needs more time at this point. (90 pts.)


• 2007 August West Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
  This was one of the wines I was most interested in tasting, and I was not disappointed! Notes of strawberry preserves, black cherries, raspberry coulee, and hard spices. Rich, deep, and decadent on the palate. This wine is like a smart and sexy brunette -- quite the keeper! My WOTD. (93 pts.)


• 2006 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
  Fruity and easy to drink with cheerful notes of bright cherries, watermelon, and shadings of sous bois. Not terribly complex, but I did very much like the mouthfeel, which I found rather supple and light. 88-89 points. (88 pts.)


• 2006 Black Kite Pinot Noir Stony Terrace - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
  I liked this much better than when I tasted it at Pinot Days. Complex notes of black cherries, raspberries, sandlewood, leather, and crushed minerals. A polished wine that is very lithe and elegant on the palate. (91 pts.)


• 2007 Clos Pepe Estate Pinot Noir - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
  This wine is, to my mind, the benchmark for SRH Pinot Noir. Elegant notes of black cherries, pomegranates, cinnamon, citrus rind, and crushed minerals. Refined and balanced. (92 pts.)


• 2005 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Saralee's Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Another 2005 showstealer. This wine is in a very good place right now. Bright notes of red cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. Forest floor lingers on the finish. Lightweight and restrained on the palate. 91-92 points. (91 pts.)


• 2007 Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  My notes say, "How Pinot Noir should taste." Pure and vibrant notes of black cherries, fresh raspberries, baking spices, and just a hint of earth. (91 pts.)


• 2007 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Aubaine Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Grande Valley
  Ripe and concentrated with a broad palate of black cherries, boysenberries, red licorice. Excellent! (91 pts.)


• 2007 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Durell Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  This wine came across as the "sweetest" of the Loring line-up I tasted today. Notes of cherry pie filling, boysenberries, and vanillin oak. Creamy and lithe on the palate, but seems to need just a touch more acid. (88 pts.)


• 2007 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
  Notes of black cherries and orange peel. Pure and focused with a bright texture and long finish. 89-90 points. (89 pts.)


• 2007 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Graham Family Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley
  Plush notes of dark cherries, black plums, and black raspberries. Soft on the palate with a nice lingering finish. (90 pts.)


• 2007 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
  I have always like the Rosella's from Brian, and this wine is no exception. Bright notes of sour cherries, crushed raspberries, plum skin, citrus peel, and baking spices. Zesty on the palate with a nice long clean finish. Very refreshing! 91-92 points. (91 pts.)


• 2007 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Russell Family Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
  Ripe and full on the palate with notes of black cherries, boysenberries, and a touch of candied orange peel. Very easy to drink. 88-89 points. (88 pts.)


• 2007 Melville Pinot Noir Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
  I'm not exactly sure what to think of this wine, as I am usually a fan of Melville Pinots. This one, however, came across as very candied, very primary, almost as if it saw barely any oak at all. A quick look at their website confirms my impressions, as it says that this wine saw only 16% new French oak. In any case, this cheerful little fruit punch of a wine came across very extroverted, yet rather simple, with youthful cherry fruit and sea shell notes. 86-87 points. (86 pts.)


• 2004 Melville Pinot Noir Carrie's - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
  Although the nose was opulent and rich with notes of black raspberries and chocolate-covered cherries, the palate seemed overdone, slightly coarse, and more herbal than I remembered a year ago. LB said it tasted a little like salsa. I'm not exactly sure if this wine was flawed, but something did not seem entirely right with this wine. The nose is a winner, but the palate seemed a little off. The best of two bottles. 86-87 points. (86 pts.)


• 2007 Melville Pinot Noir Carrie's - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills
  I think this wine holds a lot of promise, as I have always really enjoyed the Carrie's, but right now the 65% whole cluster notes are dominating the wine. With swirling, one is able to coax out notes of Bing cherry, Asian pickled plums, wet soil, and hard spices. Not at opulent as previous years, this wine conveys a certain sense of old world gravitas that is reminscent of Burgundy. 89-90 points. (89 pts.)


• 2007 P2 Wine Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, McMinnville
  I remain to be convinced fully of Oregon's greatness, but I did very much like this wine. Complex and savory notes of bacon, baking spices, dark cherries, and plums. Nice acidity and a mineral-laced finish. 91-92 points. (91 pts.)


• 2007 Seawind Pinot Noir Sleepy Hollow Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
  Fruit foward notes of tart cherries and raspberry coulee. Full on the palate with a citrus peel finish. 90-91 points. (90 pts.)


• 2007 Seawind Pinot Noir Split Rock Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  Notes of sweet cherries, strawberries, red plums, and pomegranate. Fruit forward, soft on the palate, and easy to drink. (89 pts.)


• 2007 Siduri Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Opens with some reductive aromas, but after some swirling I was able to coax out notes of sweet cherry pie filling, new leather, and sea shells. A really nice, if somewhat different, expression of the site compared to Keefer Ranch. 88-89 points. (88 pts.)


• 2007 Siduri Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
  I am a huge fan of Pisoni fruit but realize that it does not always show its potential at such a young stage. Rich and syrupy with notes of black cherries, red plums, Asian pickled plums, and oak spice. Needs much more time in the bottle. (89 pts.)


• 2007 Siduri Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
  I found this wine a little curious as I was not expecting it to be so restrained and delicate. Earthy notes of sweet tobacco, cranberries, red cherries, clay and hard spices. (88 pts.)


• 2007 Sojourn Pinot Noir Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
  This wine is not due to be released until the fall of 2009, so perhaps it is still a work in progress. But as it is, it came across a bit rough. Whole cluster notes dominate the nose, with earth, dried cherries, and tree bark on the palate. If New World Pinot is your thing, then this is probably not your wine. On the other hand, red Burgundy lovers should rejoice! (85 pts.)


• 2007 Terra Novus Pinot Noir Split Rock Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  This bottle threw off significant reduction, even after giving it the Mollydooker shake. Notes of black cherry, plums, smoke, and tar. Tasted closer to my first bottle than my most recent one. 88-89 points. (88 pts.)


• 2004 Vergari Pinot Noir DuNah Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  Earthy and smokey notes of cooked cherry reduction, tanned leather, and red clay. I can see this wine going really well with food. (87 pts.)


• 2005 Vergari Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  This wine showed better than when I tasted it at Family Winemakers a year ago. Sauvage notes of red cherries, strawberries, earth, and red clay. Soft on the palate. (88 pts.)


• 2006 Vergari Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  I think wine is pretty typical of the 2006 vintage for the region. A beam of bright cherry and blueberry fruit on the attack, but rather underdeveloped on midpalate and finish. (86 pts.)

It was a friend's birthday, so we decided to break out some of the gems from our cellars. With the exception of the mediocre 1970 Cos d'Estournel, all the wine drank rather well. The highlight, of course, was the 1982 Cheval Blanc. Not as legendary as the 1961 (which Miles unceremonious downed with a burger in the movie Sideways), but a pretty good wine notwithstanding.

• 2006 Weingut Stadt Krems Grüner Veltliner Sandgrube - Austria, Niederösterreich, Kremstal
  This was probably one of the fruitiest Grüners I have ever had. Ripe yet delicate mineral-laced notes of stone fruits, orange blossoms, and citrus rind, with just a whisper of spearmint. Fresh and vibrant and an excellent way to begin the evening. 90-91 points. (90 pts.)


• 2004 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  This wine seemed to improve and become more delicate and nuanced the longer it sat in my glass. Rich notes of creme brulée and lemon custard evolved into a silky melange of tropical fruits and hard spices. Good supporting acidity nicely balanced out the ripe palate. A delicious and remarkable wine. 92-93 points. (92 pts.)


• 2006 Sine Qua Non Autrement Dit - USA, California
  This bottle was, for some reason, not as good as the one I had before, which is not to say I did not like it. I did, very much so. It just did not elicit the euphoria that the previous bottle did. Fruity notes of watermelon Jolly Ranchers, strawberries, and citrus rind. Fresh on the palate, but a bit heavier than I remember, and showing some heat. (89 pts.)


• 1970 Gros Frere et Sœur Vosne-Romanée - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée
  We all thought this wine would be DOA, but au contraire mon gros frere, it was still very much alive and drinking quite beautifully. A veritable chameleon in the glass, the aromas kept changing every time I brought the glass to my nose. First sour cherries, then papaya, then raspberries, then red clay, then lemon rind, then caramel -- it was intoxicating. The palate, on the other hand, was a bit simple and one-dimensional, but I thought the nose more than made up for it. A lovely wine! (92 pts.)


• 1970 Château Cos d'Estournel - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
  Probably my least favorite wine of the evening. Notes of pleather, caramel, chimney ash, and roasted red peppers. Faded fruit on the palate and finishing a bit sour, I think this wine is past its peak, if it ever had one. 85-86 points. (85 pts.)


• 1979 Château Léoville Barton - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
  Mature aromas of chimney ash, top soil, dried currants, and autumn leaves. Supple on the palate, with floral-inflected notes of sour cherries and saddle leather. A very nice wine. (89 pts.)


• 1982 Château Cheval Blanc - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
  This wine reeks of class and sophistication. Plush aromas of cigar tobacco, top soil, red clay, and cherries, which evolved as the evening wore on into cedar, pink grapefruit, aged leather and spiced apple. Grandiose and majestic but at the same time graceful and light, this wine performed grand jetés across my palate. An outstanding wine! 94-95 points. (95 pts.)


• 2005 Château Smith Haut Lafitte - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
  Decanted 3 1/2 hours prior to serving and could have used more. Nonetheless, one can taste the potential of this wine. Notes of cassis, coffee, plum, and blackberries. Dense and extracted, but balanced. There is an understated power and energy to this wine that I find really appealing. (93 pts.)

If you have never heard of Kosta Browne, then chances are you know very little about California Pinot Noir. Now before you call me a snob, which you probably already think anyway, let me just say that Kosta Browne is to California Pinot what Ferrari is to Italian cars -- both are bold to the point of being audacious, opulent to the point of being flashy, and yet very, very sexy and desirable.

Fortunately, it is easier to procure Kosta Browne than it is a Ferrari. On this evening, Michael Browne came down to the OC to present his 2005 line-up. And what a line-up it was! Like a visit to the Playboy Mansion, each of the wines was a knockout, and after it was all done, the only thing that could salvage my tongue from this hedonistic and sybaritic tasting was some palate-cleansing Champagne. But I will reserve that part of the evening to another entry.

2005 KOSTA BROWNE WINE DINNER - Antonello Ristorante - Costa Mesa, CA (4/19/2008)

Hors d'oeuvres

Focaccia di Recco - Baked paper thin Focaccia sheets filled with imported Italian cheese

Spiedino di Mozzarella - Fresh red and yellow Cherry Tomatoes with fresh basil and pearl-sized Mozzarella on a bamboo skewer

Capesante alla Erbe - Seared Scallops served over olive oil and fresh herbs

• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Rosé - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  A graceful wine with alluring notes of ripe strawberries, raspberry jam, cocoa powder, and toffee. Balanced and drinking quite impressively right now. (91 pts.)


• 2006 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Rosé - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  A simple Rosé, with bright strawberry and watermelon fruit on the attack. The flavors seem a bit underdeveloped beyond the midpalate, however, and the finish is a bit austere. (85 pts.)


• 2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Rosé - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Pleasant notes strawberry mousse, strawberry jam, citrus rind. Rich and creamy yet zesty on the finish. An affable Rosé. (88 pts.)


• 2003 Kistler Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Carneros
  An excellent wine with laser-like intensity. Notes lemon curd, kumquat, roasted almonds, and crushed minerals. This is the Jackie Warner of Chardonnays. (90 pts.)


• 2004 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  A complex and layered Chardonnay. Aromas of unripe pineapples, nectarines, almond slivers, and hazelnuts are followed by a silky palate of ripe tropical fruits. This is a wine that leaves you wanting more. (91 pts.)


• 2005 Walter Hansel Winery Chardonnay - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Pungent earth and animal greet the nose on this one, but the palate reveals some very interesting, if restrained, notes of wet stones, white flowers, chalk, and lime. A very gaunt Chardonnay. (86 pts.)

First Course - Insalata di Pomodoro Rape e Burrata

Tomatoes and roasted Beets tossed together with extra virgin olive oil and oregano topped with fresh Burrata and drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar

• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
  Notes of black cherries, black raspberries, strawberry jam, and vanilla cream. Lush on the palate with a long caressing finish. 91-92 points. (91 pts.)


• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
  This wine shows itself to be a big more structured and, dare I say, more masculine than the Rosella's. Aromas of cola, black cherries, cocoa power, and orange liqueur are followed by black cherries, spice, sassafras, and minerals. Tingling acidity provides some lift on the finish. 89-90 points. (90 pts.)

Second Course - Carpaccio di Cinghiale Pepato e Affumicato

Thin slices of peppered and lightly smoked wild Boar drizzled with truffle infused olive oil topped with baby mixed salad

• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  Brown sugar, pomegranate, and black cherries on the nose. On the palate, black raspberries, black cherries, and rhubarb. A touch of heat slightly mars the finish. (89 pts.)


• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Miron - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  Only 90 cases produced and a one-off wine for KB. My notes say "decadent," "silky," and "lush." This wine is all that and more. Notes of black raspberries, cherry liqueur, milk chocolate, and brown spices. Interesting contrapuntal note of crushed minerals on the finish. A complex and layered Pinot that deserves to be slowly savored. Tied with the 4 Barrel as my #2 WOTN. 92-93 points. (92 pts.)

Third Course - Risotto al Funghi Porcini and Ravioli d’Anatra al Sugo di Coda di Bue

Italian Arborio Rice cooked with diced onions, shallots and thinly sliced Porcini Mushrooms topped with grated fresh parmesan cheese

Homemade Ravioli filled with smoked breast of duck and ox tail reduction

• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Aromas of sweet raspberries and cola are followed by notes of black cherries, ripe strawberries, wet soil, and sassafras. A touch of caramel on the finish. Surprisingly, this wine seemed to work a little better with food than on its own. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  The wine showed the most red fruits of all the KBs we tasted that evening. Bright aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, and black cherries. On the palate, sweet raspberry puree, rhubarb, and crushed minerals. Silky mouthfeel is marred by a touch of heat on the finish. 90-91 points. (91 pts.)

Fourth Course - Salmone con Salsa di Zenzaro

Grilled filet of wild King Salmon topped with spicy ginger garlic sauce

• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Amber Ridge Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Notes of black raspberries, strawberry jam, and black cherries. I enjoyed this wine very much, but in the context of the other outstanding wines, it was not as memorable. This is the Jan Brady of the KB bunch.(90 pts.)


• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  This wine is an absolute knockout! Dramatic aromas of boysenberries, black cherries, and something like Black Forest cake. The palate struts voluptuous notes of black raspberries, black cherries, and with air some blueberries and plum. Sexy and seductive, this wine was a clear favorite and my #1 WOTN. 94-95 points. (94 pts.)

Fifth Course - Costolette d’Agnello al Rosmarino

Grilled New Zealand baby Lamb Chops, served with shallots, brandy, fresh rosemary sauce

• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
  Dense aromas of back raspberries, black cherries, and hard spices followed by clean and pure cherry fruit on the palate with shadings of wet soil and sassafras. Creamy texture and a long silky finish. Michael Browne said he had a tough time with this wine, but it seems whatever wrinkles there were have been completely smoothed out. A seamless wine. (92 pts.)


• 2005 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir 4 Barrel - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Begins a little meaty on the nose with additional notes of reduced cherries, strawberry jam, and teriyaki sauce. With extended aeration, however, the wine blossoms with bold notes of raspberry puree, strawberry jam, black cherries, and spice. The palate mirrors the nose. The finish is long and rich. Tied with the Miron as my #2 WOTN. 92-93 points. (92 pts.)

Dolce - Tortino al Ciocolate

Rich warm flourless Chocolate Soufflé Cake filled with a warm chocolate sauce

• 2003 Sine Qua Non Chardonnay Mr. K The Noble Man - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley
  A really delicious dessert wine that was dense without being too heavy. Notes of honey, baking spices, candied pecans, and dried apricots followed by brown sugar, baked peaches, and marzipan on the palate. While delicate in the mouth, I do think it could have benefitted from a bit more acidity. 92-93 points. (92 pts.)


• 2006 Holdredge Pinot Gris Grace's Cuvée - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
  Notes of spiced pear, lychee, and guava marmalade. A bit cloying and in desperate need of more acidity. 87-88 points. (87 pts.)

I'm really looking forward to the weekend. Why? Two words: Kosta Browne.

Who is this man and why am I standing next to him?

In many parts of the world, 2005 was a banner year for wine. Even someone with a New World palate such as I found Bordeaux in 2005 rather irresistable. Beg, borrow, or steal: what ever you do, buy some 2005 Bordeaux! You won't regret it!

2005 BORDEAUX - Wine Exchange - Orange, CA (2/16/2008)

According to the organizers, all the 2005 red Bordeaux were opened the previous day and then double-decanted before the tasting. The old wines and the Sauternes were opened about 40 minutes prior.

Right Bank

• 2005 Château Rauzan Despagne - France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur
  Aromas of smoked meats, crushed rocks, and cherries flambé. On the palate, dark cherries, minerals, smoke and earth. A bit light in the mouth and the finish fades rather quickly. In spite of its lack of depth, this is an easy wine to drink and enjoy. RP88-90, WS84. (87 pts.)


• 2005 Château Marjosse - France, Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers
  Begins with a muted nose, but with heavy swirling I was able to coax out some faint herbal/vegetal (in a good way) aromas. On the palate, black cherry, cassis, and minerals. OK, but not the most interesting wine of the tasting. RP87-88, WS86. (85 pts.)


• 2005 Château Puygueraud - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Côtes de Francs
  Dusty yet feminine aromas of roses, geraniums, and wet earth. On the palate, tart cherries, black tea, and clay soil. Nice structure and balance. Flavorwise, I actually prefer the Rauzan Despagne, but the longer finish on this wine merits the slight edge. 87-88 points. RP88-90, WS92. (88 pts.)


• 2005 Château La Vieille Cure - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac
  This is a bold and dark-fruit wine. Intense aromas of dark berries, sweet cherry reduction, crushed rocks, and wet soil. On the palate, more juicy dark fruits. Minerally tannins. Mouth-filling and very concentrated. 88-89 points. RP89-91, WS90. (88 pts.)


• 2005 Château La Fleur de Boüard - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol
  Exhuberant aromas of sweet black cherry, crushed rocks, and smoke jump out of the glass. On the palate, sweet dark fruits (centered around a plum core), smoked meats, and loamy earth. Refined and balanced. Although I slightly prefer this wine to La Vieille Cure, I really think the two wines are comparable in terms of quality. 88-89 points. RP90-92, WS90. (89 pts.)

Saint-Émilion

• 2005 Vieux Clos St. Émilion - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
  Funky aromas of shoe polish, red clay, and cherry. On the palate, some simple cherry and earth flavors. Flat in the mouth with a tart cherry finish. Really nothing to write home about. RP88-89. (83 pts.)


• 2005 Château Faizeau Vieilles Vignes - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Montagne-St. Émilion
  Earthy aromas of wet tobacco leaf and dark cherry. A layered palate of cassis, dark cherry, and smoke. Sweet tannins. Begins with a good degree of depth, but the finish tapers off rather quickly. 86-87 points. RP90-92, WS90. (86 pts.)


• 2005 Château Bellefont-Belcier - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
  Gorgeous aromas of scorched earth, grilled meats, spice, and cherry crepes -- just the kind of nose that one would want from a Bordeaux. Dense dark fruits on the palate with shadings of smoke, graphite, and earth. Ripe tannins. Refined and balanced. Really excellent stuff and a fantastic QPR to boot. 92-93 points. RP92-94, WS93. (92 pts.)


• 2005 Château Destieux - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
  Sweet nose of ripe plums, black raspberries, and dark cherries -- if served blind I probably would have guessed it was a New World wine. On the palate, protracted and dense dark fruits accentuated by graphite and white rocks. 90-91 points. RP92-94. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Château Bellevue St. Émilion Grand Cru - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
  This is another flamboyant wine with a New World nose of cassis and dark chocolate. Not as explosive as the Destieux, but still rich and little sweet. Dense dark berries on the palate, good length, and ripe tannins. A delicious wine, with a good deal of elegance, but for the money I would probably choose the Destieux. 90-91 points. RP94-96, WS91. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Château Troplong Mondot - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
  Can you say wow? Intense and seductive aromas of scorched earth, smoke, cherry crepes, and brown spices. On the palate, dense and mouth-filling plum and cherry fruit, rich dark chocolate, accented with graphite and crushed rocks. Incredible structure and depth. An outstanding wine that embodies both grace and power. A classic! RP96-100, WS96. (95 pts.)

Left Bank

• 2005 Clos Manou - France, Bordeaux, Médoc
  This is a modest wine with a lot of personality and IMO another relative QPR for the vintage. Aromas of scorched earth, cherries flambé, and sweet tobacco. Palate mirrors the nose. A handsome wine that drinks pretty well now. If I had to pick a nit, however, I would have to say that the finish tapers off sooner than I would have liked. Starts out strong but finishes just a bit on the weak side. RP90-92, WS87. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Château Boyd-Cantenac - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
  Aromas of scorched earth, roasted coffee, leafy tobacco, and a bit of shoe polish kind of funkiness. On the palate, dense black fruits, dark chocolate, and charred wood. Full-bodied with gripping tannins. I might have scored this wine a bit higher had the nose been a little better. RP91-93, WS92. (88 pts.)


• 2005 Château Kirwan - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
  Dusty aromas of sweet cherries, dark chocolate, and tobacco leaf followed by dark cherries, cassis, and tobacco on the palate. An elegant wine with a surprisingly velvet-textured finish. Very nice! RP91-94, WS93. (91 pts.)


• 2005 The Winemakers' Collection Michel Rolland Cuvée No. 1 Château d'Arsac - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
  Muted aromas initially, but with heavy swirling the nose opens up and reveals sweet black raspberries, dark chocolate, and cassis. On the palate, cassis, chocolate, and cherry flavors are married together in a seamless package. A polished wine that might have come from anywhere. 89-90 points. RP92-94. (89 pts.)


• 2005 Château Haut-Bages Libéral - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
  A rather sharp nose of burnt tobacco, herbs, and sour cherries. On the palate, more tart red fruit and a slightly vegetal component on the finish. OK, but I was not really digging this wine too much. RP88-90, WS93. (86 pts.)


• 2005 Château Branaire (Duluc-Ducru) - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
  Exotic nose of sandlewood, Indian spices, antique shop, and dried cherries. The palate mirrors nose. Might be more interesting to some, but I was not a huge fan of it. RP94-96, WS92. (87 pts.)

Les Vieux Vins

• 1970 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
  An interesting wine to try. Mature aromas of mushrooms, truffles, smoke, red clay, minerals, and sweet tobacco. Still quite lively, but I feel that this wine is off-prime. OK, but not really my cup of tea. (86 pts.)


• 1989 Les Tourelles de Longueville - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
  Sharp nose of dried mushrooms, tobacco, cedar and soy. On the palate, nice cassis fruit with shadings of beef jerky, truffles, and sandlewood. Medium-short finish. 87-88 points. (87 pts.)

Sauternes

• 2005 Château de Cosse - France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes
  Notes of dried apricot, peaches, amd pecans. Not as much acidity as I usually prefer, but just enough to keep this wine playful and light. Fun to drink. (92 pts.)

In comparing my scores to some of the professional critics, while my evaluations alternated between the Wine Spectator and (the lower end of) Parker on the lesser expensive wines, it seems I tended to score my wines closer to the Spectator on the more expensive ones. Whether that means that my palate is more closely aligned with Suckling remains to be seen, as my experience with Bordeaux is still in its infant stages.

In the movie Sideways, Miles explains to Maya the reason for his passion for pinot noir: "Pinot is a hard grape to grow. As you know, it's thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. Pinot needs constant care and attention and in fact can only grow in specific little tucked-away corners of the world."

One of these "tucked-away corners" just happens to be the Santa Rita Hills, which is located in the northwestern corner of Santa Barbara County and is slowly becoming known as one of the premiere regions for California pinot noir.

In 1996, Ron Melville, a successful financier and member of the Pacific Stock Exchange, decided he would marry his love for gardening and wine and turn his dream of owning his own vineyard into a reality. After scouting land up and down the coast of California, he settled upon an 82 acre plot of land just outside the tiny town of Lompoc.

Today, Melville Vineyards and Winery produces some the best pinot noir coming out the Central Coast. Following legendary pioneers such as Richard Sanford of Sanford Winery (and now Alma Rosa) and Jim Clendenon of Au Bon Climat, Melville produces world-class pinot noir through the meticulous management of his own vineyard. Rather than buy grapes from someone else, as is the winemaking trend nowadays, every bottle of wine produced by Melville comes from his own estate, one that is personally managed by Ron himself and his two sons. The result is a beautiful expression of the land and the people who so lovingly care for it, something the French call terroir.

On Saturday, Ron Melville hosted a retrospective of his wines. We tasted through his line-up of pinot noir (and chardonnay) from the 2000 vintage through to 2006, including barrel samples of his single-lots pinots. Pinot noir may be a hard grape to grow, but his wines are very easy to drink.

Cheers!




MELVILLE WINE DINNER - Antonello Ristorante - Costa Mesa, CA (10/6/2007)

Introduction

Focaccia di Recca - Thin Focaccia Bread filled with Mozzarella and Cresceza cheeses

Miniature Caprese - Toasted bread topped with Sliced Tomato, Bufula Mozzarella, little Oregano, Salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 2006 Melville Viognier Estate Verna's - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
  A vibrant little wine and one of the better viogniers I have had from the SRH. Delicate notes of peaches and apricots with shadings of lime and pine. Lively, balanced, and very refreshing. I even went back for seconds. (91 pts.)

SRH Pinot Noir Vertical

Salmon alla Erbe - Fresh Salmon grilled with Garlic, Rosemary, Sage, Parsley, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and touch of Lemon

• 2000 Melville Pinot Noir Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  Given the price point of this wine, I'm more than a little surprised by how well it aged. Then again, it did come straight from the winery. Initial nose of cooked cherries, decaying logs, and touch of animal; with time in the glass, the nose became much less severe and a bit more floral. On the palate, tart cherries, cranberries, and chalky minerals. The acidity supports the fruit nicely. (87 pts.)


• 2001 Melville Pinot Noir Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  This nose on this wine makes me think of a cherry pie being baked in log cabin in the middle of the forest. It has all of those elements and more. Bucolic aromas of cherry pie, tree bark, and pine needles followed by ripe cherries, raspberry puree, earth, and truffles on the palate. The nose is not as compelling as the 2003, but the longer finish makes this a better wine in my opinion. My WOTF. 88-89 points. (88 pts.)


• 2003 Melville Pinot Noir Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  I loved the nose on this pinot as it had much more dark fruit characteristics (dark cherries, plum, and boysenberries) than the 2000 and 2001. On the palate, however, the wine seemed a bit thin, with a touch of green notes coming through on the very short and slightly watery finish. (87 pts.)


• 2006 Melville Pinot Noir Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  This wine came across as too young to be drunk. For some reason, the nose seemed very muted and the jam and earth flavors did not seem to be well knit together. I was going to reserve judgment about this wine, but since it has already been released, I feel compelled to assign it a score. 85-86 points. (85 pts.)

Terraces Pinot Noir Vertical

Spezzatino - Franco's mother in law recipe: Vegetable, Potato, Tomato Beef Stew

• 2002 Melville Pinot Noir Terraces - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  I gave this wine 88 points back in May and I'm pleased to see it is holding up well. Mature aromas of cooked cherries, balsamic vinegar, Asian spice, and dried herbs followed by sour cherries and crushed rocks on the palate. A good wine that is drinking well right now. 88-89 points. (88 pts.)


• 2003 Melville Pinot Noir Terraces - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  Dense aromas of wet soil, minerals, rose petals, and cinnamon spice followed by a tight palate of dark cherries, blackberries, dried herbs and mineral. Complex, but needs decanting or more time in the bottle. (88 pts.)


• 2004 Melville Pinot Noir Terraces - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  It is becoming more and more apparent to me that the Terraces need time. The 50% stem inclusion is still quite apparent here. Nose of cooked cherries, game, and asparagus. On the palate, ripe cherries, blueberries, tobacco leaf and stem. A powerful and complex pinot, but a bit too vegetal for me. 86-87 points. (87 pts.)


• 2005 Melville Pinot Noir Terraces - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  A Ron Melville was proud to announce at our table that this is a man's pinot. Indeed, many of the wines in this flight were quite masculine in character and often had notes of dried herbs and/or tobacco leaf. This one seemed to have both. Deep aromas of dark cherries, dried cranberries, and wet soil followed by white pepper, tobacco leaf, dried herbs and earth on the palate. My WOTF. (89 pts.)


• 2006 Melville Pinot Noir Terraces - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  As a barrel sample, it still comes across as very primary and raw. Grapey and chewy, with notes of dried cherries, plum, blackberries, and black pepper. No doubt, the wine will be very much in the same bloodline as the previous Terraces. Interesting to taste, hard to score.

Carrie's Pinot Noir Vertical

Taglioline alla Bolognese - Homemade thin pasta prepared in a veal (ragu) sauce

• 2001 Melville Pinot Noir Carrie's - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  A terrific pinot! Rich aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, and brown spices followed by an opulent palate of ripe cherries, plum, black raspberries, earth, and truffles. Sexy and delicious. 92-93 points. My #2 WOTN. (92 pts.)


• 2002 Melville Pinot Noir Carrie's - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  This pinot came across as one of the more tannic in the flight with a strong black tea and tree bark component. With more time in the glass, the tannins started to subside and the wine reveals ripe black cherries, plum, and boysenberries. (91 pts.)


• 2003 Melville Pinot Noir Carrie's - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  Much like the 2003 Estate pinot, while I really enjoyed the dark fruit aromas, this wine came across a bit thinner on the palate, at least compared to the other wines in this flight. That said, I think still preferred this wine to any of the Terraces. Notes of cherries, cranberries, a touch of apple peel. 89-90 points. (90 pts.)


• 2004 Melville Pinot Noir Carrie's - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  This wine is the real deal and shows what the SRH can offer in terms of pinot noir. Opulent and rich, with notes of dark cherry, blueberries, boysenberries, cinnamon spice, and dark chocolate truffles. Full in the mouth with a long long finish. My WOTF and WOTN. 93-94 points. (93 pts.)


• 2005 Melville Pinot Noir Carrie's - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  Perhaps the most elegant pinot in this flight with notes of red cherries, red plum, black raspberries, and black tea. Delicious. 91-92 points. (91 pts.)


• 2006 Melville Pinot Noir Carrie's - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  Like the 2006 Terraces, this barrel sample is still quite raw and primary. Grapey and hollow in the midpalate, but I have no doubt that Carrie will develop some curves in the coming months.

Chardonnay: Inox and SRH

Polpette di Garnchio - Homemade crab cake topped with a fresh mango sauce

Tonna Tartar - Ahi Tuna finely chopped seasoned with a touch of Mustard, Shallots, Lemon and topped with Micro Arugola

• 2001 Melville Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  A steely chardonnay with intriguing notes of hay, cheese rind, smoke, honeydew melon, and lemon. Very nice acidity. An intersting wine; just not my cup of tea. 86-87 points. (86 pts.)


• 2001 Melville Chardonnay Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
  A really lovely chardonnay with mature notes of honey, caramel, melon, and lemon curd. Lime acidity on the finish lifts the rounder notes in this wine. Very nice and real treat. My WOTF. (91 pts.)


• 2003 Melville Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  Reminds me more of a sauvignon blanc than a chardonnay. Nose of gooseberry (cat pee?) and lime followed by hay and flint flavors. My least favorite wine of the evening. 84-85 points. (84 pts.)


• 2003 Melville Chardonnay Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley
  Notes of honeydew melon, citrus rind, and margarita mix. Round and elegant on the palate, with a nice smokey note on the finish. 90-91 points. (90 pts.)


• 2006 Melville Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  I was quite impressed with this bottle. Notes of lychee, banana peel, and citrus rind. Clean and vibrant and joy to drink. Given my impressions of the other older Inox chards, I think I prefer them on the young side. 89-90 points. (89 pts.)

Pinot Noir: High Density and Clone 115 Indigene

Filetto di Cervo - Venison Loin topped with a wine must and truffle sauce

• 2001 Melville Pinot Noir High Density - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  The slightly stemmy aromas in this wine are offset by a good dose of hard spices. On the palate, bright red cherries, black tea, and asparagus flavors meld in a way that is not although unpleasant. (87 pts.)


• 2001 Melville Pinot Noir Clone 115 Indigene - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  A very interesting and aromatic mix of black cherries, raspberries, caramel, toffee and a pinch of white pepper. Intriguing and complex with very nice acidity. 90-91 points and my WOTF. (91 pts.)


• 2003 Melville Pinot Noir High Density - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  Notes of black cherry, plum, and strawberries. Hard spices on the finish add interest. (89 pts.)


• 2003 Melville Pinot Noir Clone 115 Indigene - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  I find it very interesting that wild yeasts can impart a comparable level of complexity as a blend of 14 different clones, which what is found in their High Density pinots. Notes of black cherry, boysenberry, spice cake, and toffee are supported by zesty acidity. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Melville Pinot Noir High Density - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  I am impressed by the elegance of this pinot, which I attribute in part to the very even 2005 growing season. Graceful notes of red cherries, cranberries, and strawberries. Brown spices on the finish add compexity and depth. (90 pts.)


• 2005 Melville Pinot Noir Clone 115 Indigene - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills
  A very good wine, but perhaps my least favorite of the 115 Indigenes. Notes of plum, dark cherries, caramel, and black tea. Needs some time to smooth out the tannins. The finish is marred by a searing heat, which tips the scales at 15.5% alcohol. (88 pts.)

Dolce

Tartufo - Chocolate Truffle, White Chocolate truffle, Mixed Berries and Nuts and Strawberry dipped in Chocolate

Phlin and Ron Melville