1998 Beaulieu Vineyard
Carneros Pinot Noir
Score: 84.0
"A light weight, mild mannered Pinot, full of tart cherry fruit, a hint of smoke, and moderate tannin. "
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1998 Archery Summit Estate
Arcus Estate Oregon Pinot Noir
Score: 96.0
"Heavenly. An elegant, self-assured wine that makes you sit up and take notice. Superbly balanced and maintaining a high level of intensity from the nose through the finish, it displays classic violet and sweet cherry character, with layers of black pepper, cinnamon and minerals, perfectly integrated oak and a velvety texture.Why drink Burgundy when you can drink the best?"
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1997 Archery Summit Archery Summit Estate
Oregon Pinot Noir
Score: 88.0
"Cola and cherry character with a hint of violets, on the palate it starts as silky and finishes with a bit of astringency. Though well-balanced its not as impressive as previous vintages. Nonetheless, it has excellent varietal definition and has the ability to age gracefully another 5 to 7 years."
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1996 Brutocao
Anderson Valley "Pinot Noir: Do you know the meaning of 'a sleeper'?-its anything that is under-appreciated or un
Score: 96.0
" So lets start a cult following for Brutocao Pinot Noir. It has an intense violet aroma with undercurrents of potting soil; on the palate its intensely fruity (mostly cherry, but there are aspects of blackberry and cola as well), damp earth, some vanilla and toast. If we keep it a secret we can still get it for a mere $25. Shhhhhhh! Pass the bottle....ummm, ummm!"
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1998 Robert Mondavi Coastal
Central Coast Pinot Noir
Score: 88.0
"Silky cherry fruit with a complex potting soil aroma, light tannin, light oak and excellent structure. Astonishing quality for the price. "
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1997 Clos du Bois
Sonoma County Pinot Noir
Score: 83.0
"Quite aromatic, cherries and cement, nice smooth texture on the mid-palate, but more biting in the finish. Angular, interesting, but ultimately delivering less than it promises. "
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1997 Cambria
Julias Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
Score: 90.0
Spectacularly rich. The fruit is incredible - ripe black cherries & spicy plum. It has a light smokey background and a velvety texture with a crisp edge. Makes a wonderful foil for shrimp curry.
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1997 Cambria
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
Score: 92.0
" Not as brash as the regular bottling, the Reserve is opulent, but even better balanced. From the nose through the finish the Reserve displays black cherry, nutmeg, bittersweet chocolate and cinnamon, with moderate tannin and good length. Its intense and very well-balanced. "
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1997 Mirassou
Monterey County Pinot Noir Harvest Reserve
Score: 87.0
"Floral and black cherry aromas follow through to the palate with the addition of clove and a hint of toast. The tannin is fully integrated, the structure firm, and the finish has good length. "
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1997 Mirassou
Monterey County Pinot Noir
Score: 88.0
In a word-sensuous. This Pinot is intensely black cherry; silky texture; add a little damp earth to the palate; follow with some spice in the finish. This is a $20 dollar wine masquerading as a $12 dollar wine. Grab it before anyone notices.
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1997 Archery Summit
Red Hills Estate Oregon Pinot Noir
Score: 89.0
"A seriously delicious Pinot, the Red Hills Estate has a nose redolent of jammy fruit (cherry, strawberry) with subtle nutmeg and cinnamon notes, while on the palate its lean and elegant, with light tannin and tart acidity that carries through the finish. Good now, the texture will soften and the flavors broaden with three to five years in the bottle. An excellent choice for smoked salmon."
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1997 Navarro Vineyards
Mendocino Pinot Noir
Score: 84.0
"Relatively simple, but fruit forward with delightful cherry overtones, silky texture and a bright fruity finish. Good aperitif, or serve with salmon, veal, or pork."
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1996 Navarro Vineyards Methode Ancienne
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Score: 86.0
"Tart cherry and light leather flavors, crisp acidity, zippy finish. A great match for salmon."
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1997 Beringer
North Coast Pinot Noir
Score: 93.0
"Served in an appropriate balloon shaped glass, Beringers '97 Pinot is a stunning wine, big, rich, yet elegant. The fruit mimics cherry pie enhanced with nuances of toast and complex forest floor flavors. Its silky smooth on the palate, with firm well-integrated tannins that promise a long life. A versatile food wine, it would be perfect with prosciutto, beef, lamb or venison. Needless to say, its a great bargain."
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1997 Greenwood Ridge
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Score: 90.0
"Showing lovely earth and ripe cherry-berry fruit (almost jammy), a velvety texture, and a rich finish. Great with lamb or risotto."
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