Pinot Noir Alert!
November 21, 2006
My goodness.....could the Wine Spectator quit beating the
same dead horse, and instead give us some new information? I am referring
to the latest front page edition, December 15th, regarding
the "Magnificent 30" California Pinot Noir producers. No offense to
any of the producers listed, but is there any NEW news here? Or just
another layer of fertilizer for this "elite/good ol' boy/gal" pinot noir
club? So much for the continued regurgitation......Although I find it
curious that Rochioli, Dehlinger, Flowers, Copain and Pisoni are missing
from any consideration!
So let me tell you about a couple of
new pinot noir producers the all knowing (and caring!) editors have
missed, but you should not!
The first is DuNah Vineyard and Winery in Sonoma's Russian
River Valley ......like in Rick and Diane DuNah...No, not DuMol.....and not a
spin to appear similar or to confuse the consumer with this other very
fine producer included in THE LIST!
DuNah's 2004
Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir SHOULD NOT be missed, and is ready to cause a sure stampede once
experienced. I promise you the most hedonistic, perfectly
ripened, lusty and busty dark black cherry pinot noir. Pinot Noir
Gone Wild! I am not kidding....don't ask me how I really feel about this
wine. I am telling you the truth....this wine is amazing because it
does deliver ALL of the goods without the over
ripeness, slightest trace of high alcohol, or low acid balance.
Winemaker Greg La Follette and the DuNahs caught these low yield grapes at
exactly the optimum time.....a case where nature's work was recognized at
that precise moment of perfection. Then they did not screw it up, but
let the wine make itself. I could go on about this wine's
penetrating and expansive aromas that include hints of warm Indian spices, or
the luxurious soft suede mouth feel, or rolling waves finish, but you need
to taste this wine and experience it for yourself. A little more than
six hundred cases were produced. For more information go to the DuNah's website
> http://www.dunahwinery.com - $44.95 a bottle or $40.50 for six or more
bottles.
The second is another Sonoma
producer, Auteur. In the 2005 vintage,
Auteur's owners-winemakers/husband and wife Kenneth and
Laura Juhasz were able to source Pinot Noir from Shea
Vineyard's famed Back Block in the sub-appellation of Yamhill-Carlton
(Willamette Valley). The only other producer privy to this fruit
is Dick Shea himself. The Shea Vineyard is considered one of five grand
cru properties in America for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Arguably some of
the finest wines in the world have come from this site, Sine Qua Non, Ken
Wright, St. Innocent and Penner-Ash.
Ok, simply put, the
2005 Auteur Pinot Noir from Shea
Vineyard is a flawless wine with potential to
become legendary. In fact, there is probably not a better Pinot Noir to be
released on the entire west coast in 2006. Now, I know that is a
pretty assertive statement to say the least. The first time I had an
opportunity to sample the wine, it had been open for 24 hours. I
was mesmerized by its tantalizing and powerful aromas, complex layering of
fresh vibrant fruit, solid masculine
structure, and ballerina-like on pointe balance and
precision. I like the winemakers' notes best - "Dark crimson in color, perfumed with lavender, slate, and
marionberry cut with mineral, anise, almond, sassafras and graphite. The
explosive, weighty palate is layered with bright red berry fruit beneath
delicate layers of floral, carbon and mineral. Structured with generous and
supple tannins, the finish is infinite." 100%
Wadensvil Clone was hand harvested on September 30, 2005 at a
yield of 1.9 tons per acre. The wine was
fermented by native yeast. 25% whole clusters underwent an
extended maceration to maximize the dense fruit character. The wine was aged in
60%, new French cooperage and pressed before dryness. Unfiltered and
unfined. Only 171 cases were produced and just released!! Limits
will be imposed. $60 a bottle NET.
(Very Sorry, but now SOLD
OUT!)
Also
available -
2005
Auteur Chardonnay - Donum Vineyard, Carneros - Sonoma - $44.95
NET
2005
Auteur Pinot Noir - Sonoma Stage Vineyard, Sonoma Coast -
$49.95 NET
Please order any of the above wines by replying directly to
this e-mail, from the webstore, or by telephone
-
The Wine Consultant's Tasting
Bar will be open this FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM NOON TO 4
PM. BRING YOUR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS AND FAMILY
MEMBERS....BEATS TAKING THEM TO THE ZOO, THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION, OR
THE RAILROAD MUSEUM.
We sincerely wish your family a wonderful
Thanksgiving!
Eric Stumpf
Renee Kroeger
The Wine Consultant
8039 Greenback Lane
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(916) 721-WINE (9463) - Order at
extension #3
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