The Wine Insiders » Pinot Noir

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

thewineinsiders — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:20:04 +0000

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”

thewineinsiders — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:42:00 +0000

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

thewineinsiders — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:27:17 +0000

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

Segue Pinot Noir Sinigani Vineyard 2009 – 94+ Points

thewineinsiders — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:53:39 +0000

Dense, deep and rich as velvet this mesmerizing nectar features gobs of vibrant red fruit including raspberry and fresh strawberry plus a seductive dark caramel oak finish WOW. The new Segue Pinot is so voluptuous it reminds us of our favorite recent samplings of much higher priced collector Pinots (e.g. Kosta Browne).

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Segue Cellars.

Morlet Pinot Noir Coteaux Nobles 2009 – 98 Points

thewineinsiders — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:32:47 +0000

The deep garnet color and intense galaxy of blackberry, cherry and raspberry flavors are only a hint of what an extraordinary experience awaits the fortunate few who will sample this gem! The richness and complexity are reminiscent of a truly exceptional Burgundy but the fruit is 100% full throttle California with an array of dazzling notes of raspberry, dark cherry, rhubarb, exotic spices, and a hint of toffee all melded across a velvety smooth texture. This wine will shine tonight after decanting for (half hour) but will continue to age gracefully for 5 – 7 years if you’re patient enough to wait! Truly one of the finest Pinot Noir we have ever sampled. 97 points now and 98+ points by 2015 in our estimate.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Morlet Family Vineyards.

Bonaccorsi Pinot Noir Melville Vineyard 2007 – 95 Points

thewineinsiders — Fri, 06 May 2011 22:44:19 +0000

This massive Pinot from the esteemed Melville vineyard boasts cranberry and cherry flavors all perfectly integrated and wound up in a remarkably full-bodied texture. Weighty and rich on the palate with a captivating caramel finish.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Produced by Bonaccorsi Wine.

AP Vin Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch 2008 – 94 Points.

thewineinsiders — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:13:35 +0000

The new AP Vin Keefer Ranch Pinot is full of classic ripe, rich Keefer Ranch fruit. This boisterous vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County – the home of many of the best Pinot Noirs produced in California.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Trinitas Pinot Noir Carneros 2008 – 93 Points

thewineinsiders — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:15:58 +0000

Aromatics of candied red fruit, vanilla, mocha, and campfire. It boasts flavors of baked red apples covered in butter and cinnamon with a rich entry and broad mid palate. The weight of the fore- and mid-palate over shadow the delicate dark chocolate finish which will lengthen with age.

Buy this wine at Porthos.

Pali Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch 2006 – 94 Points.

thewineinsiders — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:16:24 +0000

Simply stated, this is a VERY satisfying new wine! Pinot lovers familiar with Keefer Ranch fruit will recognize a concentrated, full throttle, opulent fruit vintage in the 2007 Pali Keefer Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir. Complex flavors feature gobs of dark blackberry, raspberry puree and cola all melded together across a big and rich texture. Bold and ripe, this luxurious tasting finishes with a hint of toasty oak that bodes well for pairing with a wide range of food over the next 3 – 5 years, peaking around 2014.

Buy this wine from Porthos.

Zepaltas Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2008 – 93 Points

thewineinsiders — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:11:45 +0000

Immediately, this wine’s aromatics jump out of the glass: black cherry, tobacco, and allspice. The Russian River’s palate is structured and taught, but refreshing and bright. A slight grip of tannin gives the wine presence and fills out the finish. The mouth feel is powerful, and dense, and is a great candidate for those roasted fall dishes. This wine definitely has the framework to age at least 3 years, but is very accessible now.

Buy this wine from Porthos.