2003 Robert Mondavi Winery
Napa Valley Pinot Noir Reserve
Score: 93.0
Fabulously aromatic nose of violets, black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg follow through to the palate with modest tannin. The only knock is the high alcohol, which gives it a warm, blocky finish.
|
2004 Williams Selyem
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Score: 90.0
It's a real pleasure to encounter a properly made Pinot like this Russian River version from Williams Selyem. It's ripe enough to show forward black cherry aromas, yet not so ripe that it loses its delicacy and subtle dead leaf undertones. The tannin is negligible and the texture is a little silky. The finish, with its mineral-soil umami flavors leaves you wanting more.
|
2003 Archery Summit
Arcus Estate Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
Score: 87.0
If money is no object, Archery Summit is producing some stylistically original Pinots that will surprise and satisfy most Pinot lovers. They're denser and chewier than other Pinots, a kind of Pinot in Syrah clothing. Were you to taste this wine double blind, the black cherry and cola flavors of the 2003 Arcus Estate might tip you off to the varietal, but the weight and tannins would fool you, as would the warmth in the finish. To its credit it has a complex flavor profile, with the black cherry-cola aromas giving way to blackberry, dark chocolate and cherry liqueur on the palate. The tannins and the warm chewy finish make it anomolous in the world of Pinot Noir. It demands 5 to 9 years (2001 - 2015) further aging to coax out the finer points.
|
2002 Archery Summit
Archery Summit Estate Oregon Pinot Noir
Score: 94.0
Archery Summit Pinots are more extracted than most, so the wines are distinctly masculine. This version is more complex than most Pinots, showing boysenberry, black cherry, cola and smoke aromas. On the palate you can add some mocha. The tannin is on the high side for a Pinot, so expect to cellar this wine for 7 to 10 years to get the most out of it. Only 580 six-bottle cases were produced.
|
2003 Archery Summit
Red Hills Estate Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir
Score: 89.0
The structure and tannins are closer to Merlot (more weight), but the flavor profile is all Oregon Pinot Noir - cherry cola - and the nuances and complexity are there, but it's slightly disjointed and smothered by the tannin. Good now, but it should be much better in 2011.
|
1999 Acacia
Carneros District Napa Valley Pinot Noir
Score: 88.0
"Plums, bittersweet chocolate, soft tannins, roasted coffee and potting soil combine for a rich, complex wine that will continue to evolve in the bottle. Our consumer tasting panel was split - some praised the wines complexity; others thought it was 'dirty.' If you know Pinot Noir, you know what were talking about. I, for one, appreciate this style."
|
1998 Gloria Ferrer
Carneros Pinot Noir
Score: 89.0
"Gorgeous violet nose, medim body, silky texture, with moderate tannin, violets, cherries and wet earth on the palate, and a hint of spice in the finish. Complete and satisfying. After the tasting it was a hit with smoked salmon."
|
1998 Kenwood
Olivet Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Score: 88.0
"A medium-bodied Russian River Pinot Noir with intense strawberry and violet aromas, light tannin, crisp acidity and ripe berry flavors with subtle oak tones and a touch of spice. Good length and balance. Its good now, and likely to become even smoother with a couple more years in the bottle."
|
1998 Archery Summit Red Hills Estate
Oregon Pinot Noir
Score: 90.0
"Seductive perfumy nose of ripe marischino cherries, cola and cinnamon that follows through to the tart palate and fruit and spice finish. If you must drink it now, youll still have a sensuous experience, but the tannin requires another 5 years or so to resolve, at which time this will be a formidable Pinot Noir. "
|
1997 Lynmar
Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valey Pinot Noir
Score: 95.0
"Gorgeous black cherry nose with a touch of damp forest floor. Silky smooth on the palate, it has a light, toasty quality under a great gob of juicy black cherry fruit, light tannin, spice, vanilla and mineral notes. Complex and long, this is a fabulous Russian River Valley Pinot. "
|
1998 Martin Ray
La Montana Sonoma County Pinot Noir:
Score: 91.0
"Todays Martin Ray Pinot Noirs are truly Burgundian - a lighter style than most California Pinots - silky smooth, cherry-violet aromas and flavors with nuances of vanilla and green tea, as well as some spice in the finish, good balance and finesse. "
|
1998 Archery Summit
Red Hills Estate Oregon Pinot Noir
Score: 90.0
"Seductive, aromatic, perfumy nose of marischino cherries, cola and cinnamon that follows through to the tart palate. Firm tannin shortens the fruit and spice finish. When the tannin resolves, given about 7 more years in the bottle, this will be a formidable Pinot Noir."
|
1998 Robert Mondavi
Carneros District Pinot Noir
Score: 90.0
"A zesty Pinot with cherry-strawberry fruit and sweet spices (cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla) on the palate. Medium-bodied, light in tannin, its an immediately appealing wine that will pair naturally with lamb or other spicy dishes."
|
1999 Wyndham Estate BIN 333
Pinot Noir
Score: 90.0
"Wonderful varietal definition - a violet aroma, a bit of forest floor comlexity in the nose that follows through to the palate with fresh cherry fruit and light tannin. Remarkable value."
|
1999 Beringer Vineyards Founders Estate
California Pinot Noir
Score: 91.0
"Needs some air to open up, but then it displays dried cherry fruit, forest floor and mushrooms, with a silky smooth texture and a a long, complex, vibrant fruity finish. Absolutely remarkable for the price. Amazing."
|
|
|
