New Goldeneye Release.

Goldeneye 2006

We were fortunate to sample Duckhorn’s new Goldeneye (2006) and Migration (2007) Pinot Noir last week. Winemaker Zach Rasmuson and his team are clearly hitting their stride rising into the serious collector Pinot stratus with this vintage of Goldeneye. I’m excited about the new 2006 release (March) because I believe Rasmussen has now achieved the much-talked-about balance between enjoyable bright fruit now vs. ageworthiness. In the past, some of the Goldeneye releases were not as plush and rich in their youth as I would prefer. Vintages such as 2003 and 2004 were relatively austere in my opinion but did age into glorious Pinot Noir 4 – 5 years later. This new 2006 vintage is impressive now and a guaranteed thrill ride paired with the right menus (e.g. grilled Salmon, Coq au vin, creamy French cheeses) right now, particularly if you decant for ½ hour. I plan to stock away several bottles of this vintage into my cellar to track the progress over the next 6 years.

Migration is also a thrill ride, particularly because I’ve rarely experienced a more serious Pinot Noir available for less than $40. The Pinot grape is so finicky that I rarely find one worthy of a rating over 92 points under the $40 threshold. This new 2007 Migration is a BIG exception to that rule as we rated it a team 93 now and my hunch is it will evolve into a wine worthy of 93 – 94 points in by 2011. Most collectors don’t think about aging any red wines under $50 but this Migration will benefit from a year or two in your cellar.

Best Goldeneye I’ve tasted!

This wine was recently rated 92 points by the Wine Spectator but believe me when I say this is the winery’s best yet for anyone that loves big, ripe red Pinot fruit as much as I do.

THE WINE INSIDERS “OUTSTANDING 93″ RATING: “Ever since sampling this wine in barrel with winemaker Zach Rasmuson last year, I knew this would be the ‘Best Yet’ Goldeneye! This is a delectable, full-bodied wine with a smooth mouth feel, fine tannin structure, lush texture and a lingering finish. The flavors are predominantly plum, black cherry, and strawberry with a hint of truffles and a hint of white pepper on the lingering finish. Age-worthy for a potential decade, I believe this sensational Pinot will peak in flavors and luscious texture between 2011 – 2012 but is a guaranteed thrilling for any Pinot-phile tonight (after decanting an hour).”

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