The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 4: 2009 Goldeneye Pinot Noir “10 Degrees”

Huge, robust and well structured, the 2009 Goldeneye “Ten Degrees” is the most age-worthy of the Pinot Noir that we tasted during the Duckhorn meeting.  This wine is matured in 100% new French oak and it shows.  Smooth vanilla and strawberry on the nose is followed by vanilla, truffle and ripe cherry on the palate.  The finish lasts for at least a minute.  For as big as it is this a very approachable wine and offers the connoisseur a full experience of what is possible with Napa Pinot Noir.  Classic 95+ points.   -Jeff

The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 3: 2009 Goldeneye Pinot Noir “Gowan Creek Vineyard”

The 2009 Goldeneye “Gowan Creek Vineyard” Pinot Noir (know as “Black Label”) is a wonderful nod to Burgundy with it’s earthy flavors and soft tannins.  The nose is huge and inviting.  The palate has flavors of ripe cherry, green tea and a hint of sweet wood.  95 points  -Jeff

The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 2: Goldeneye Pinot Noir Alexander Valley

The 2009 Goldeneye Pinot Noir Alexander Valley is crafted from fruit sourced throughout the Anderson Valley appellation and is an excellent example of that area’s strengths regarding the Pinot Noir grape.  Thankfully, after the fire of 2008, the appellation is back at full strength and California Pinot lovers are rejoicing!   This delicious wine offers notes of truffle and strawberry on the nose while the palate enjoys a playful medley layered with cherries, rhubarb and a hint of black tea.  94+ -Jeff

The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 1: Migration Chardonnay RRV

I love my job! Last night our dear friend Sara from Duckhorn dropped by to give us a sneak preview of the Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration lineup for the 2009 and 2010 vintages. In a word: stunning.  Unfortunately, the wines haven’t been released yet but stay tuned as I will let you know as they become available. I will be talking about the wines over the next few days as I feel the wines all deserve individual attention.

First, let’s talk about their 2010 RRV Chardonnay “Migration”. The winemaking team’s goal for this wine was to to create a “beautiful expression of Chardonnay” and they have hit the proverbial nail on the head. Primarily Dutton Ranch fruit, this wine is exciting without being cluttered or overwhelming. Though barrel fermented in 100% new French oak the wine is not a butter bomb but a well crafted, French style Chardonnay. Plenty of citrus and stone fruit notes layered with creamy custard flavors along with the mineral expression associated with the distinctive Russian River appellation. The finish is incredibly long for a Chardonnay, lasting almost a full minute.  I gave the wine a 94+ and I believe the juice will continue to develop and even improve in the bottle over the next year.  -Jeff

Purchase this wine at Porthos!

Martinelli Syrah Hop Camp Vineyard Gravel Lens RRV 2006

“Inky ruby. Assertive, heady cassis, olive, floral and incense scents are strongly reminiscent of the northern Rhone. Extremely fresh red and dark berry flavors are complicated by candied violet, minerals and cracked pepper, with silky tannins adding structure. Turns more tangy with air, picking up sexy Asian spices that linger impressively on the finish. This is already delicious.”- Josh Raynolds (Stephen Tanzer’s IWC)

This is a huge, brooding effort from Helen Turley and the team at Martinelli.  This Syrah was quite a hit at our Thursday tasting panel with several tasters going back for a second tasting to “ensure consistent notes”, wink wink.  We scored it a “Classic 95″.  Less than 300 cases produced!  – Jeff

Purchase this wine at Porthos