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

ALERT: Silver Oak’s “Boutique” Neighbor!

Blue Rock’s vineyards sits high in the Alexander Valley in ‘Cabernet Heaven’ directly adjacent to Silver Oak Cellars‘ Estate vineyard. However, Blue Rock is still a truly undiscovered “boutique” winery producing a fraction of the amount of wine as their world famous neighbor and selling primarily to their own private mailing list (for about $20 less)! We just sampled this “sensational” new release (see 93 point rating below) and proclaim it a guaranteed winner for any big Cabernet lover. Plus, since Blue Rock is totally under-the-radar it is still available for 1/2 price of many of their famous neighbors and comparable quality Napa Cabernet. Proprietor Kenny Kahn is a very entertaining fellow and clearly hitting his stride producing some of the finest micro-production Cabernet in California currently. Kahn and winemaker Nick Goldschmidt also produce very, very tiny lots of his “Best Barrel” program Cabernet. This is the closest thing you’ll ever find to a Silver Oak “Reserve” bottling because the totally production is only 70 cases!

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SILVER OAK ALEXANDER VALLEY = Our comments

This new release is even more age worthy than the last release. While not exactly an ‘undisovered/insider’ wine, Silver Oak continues to lay claim as the #1 collector wine and seems to even defy economic cycles.

THE WINE INSIDERS TASTING NOTES (07/08): “The new 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignons reveals a seductive array of flavors deftly melded together across a seamlessly smooth texture. Starting with trademark aromas of cedar and new American oak this sensuous wine delivers spicy herb flavors and nutmeg plus restrained fruit flavors that include plum, blackberry, cassis that should blossom over the next decade. The finish reveals hints of semi sweet cocoa and cappuccino. This Cabernet is a bold experience now with ultra-plush tannins that should bode well for aging 5 – 7 years. ”

Currently this wine is available for $69 (Click Here)