Wine Review: The Scrutiny Says "Buy!!!"

2003 Kali Hart Pinot Noir
Monterey County

“J”s REVIEW:
Wow!!! Great stuff! $9….yeah 9 bucks.

Yummy nose. Lush and smooth body. Great balance. California flavors through and through. Finishes with raspberry parfait. The light acidity works perfect with this wine. It does a touch of earthiness that I love in Pinot. No tartness. Soft tannins hold it all together. Not overly complex or unique but better than most pinots under the 25 dollar range.
90 pts

This has been my house wine for the last month and I will continue to collect dead soldiers.

Jason

Please read "J"s comments after "B"s review.

“B”s REVIEW:
I’m trying to learn to articulate my wine tasting, but this is my first wine note, so give me a break.

My first problem was drinking this wine within 10 minutes of taking it out of the fridge. I’m not sure what the recommended temperature for wine drinking is, but I know that I don’t like red wine cold. I like it at room temperature or maybe a degree or two cooler.

Getting past the temperature, I loved it. The color was excellent. A fresh, juicy red. Dark, but not too dark. Light, but not too light. Right where a wine should be. It could have been darker, but it didn’t need it. (see note)

At first sniff, I was hit with a smell of strawberries, then mixed berries – tart ones, like raspberry and blackberry. The smell didn’t last long, which was disappointing. I don’t have a good nose for smells, so I’m automatically disadvantaged. Anyway, what I did smell was very fruity and young.

My first drink was a mixed bag. With the wine so cold, I didn’t enjoy it. I’ll fast forward to my second glass after the wine settled for an hour outside the fridge. The drink was a continuation of the smell. Fresh, strong strawberry, followed by a pungent mixed berry; even a bit of vinegar. The taste didn’t last, much like the smell. Again, disappointed, because I wanted more.

I would drink this wine again. I don’t know how long it could wait, but it has a very fresh taste. I’d like to try a bottle a year from now to see how it ages.

Scoring: The greatest reason for lack of excellent scores is that it wasn’t a strong wine, flavor and aroma didn’t last long, and was a bit fruity. Still, I’d drink it again.

92 pts

Brock

** I wanted to make a few notes about Brock’s comments. First, it looks his ability to smell is just fine. In fact, I think he smells every time I see him.

Anyway, it should be noted that Pinot Noir generally has a lighter color than many of the wines you may be used to drinking such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or red Zinfandel. You may see some “modern” style Pinots that are very dark but traditionally Pinot will have a lighter color to go with its more feminine personality.

“J”

Tallbot Vineyards

Wine Review:

2003 Loring Wine Co. Pinot Noir
Rosellas Vineyard

At first, the nose was very muted. I think I smelled a balloon. It opened up to show lots of earth mixed with brambly fruit. On the attack there was immediate cherry cola followed by a touch of anise. This wine showed more earthy tones than the other 03 Lorings. Lots of leather and tobacco. Softer than the other 03s I had. I think this is at a drink now phase. Very nice.

91 pts

Brian Loring has been living in Southern California, with a day job, and making wine in his free time. He has had amazing success and will now be making wine full time. And look out for an interview with Brian Loring in the upcoming months. Email me if there are any questions you would like to ask this artisan Pinot Noir maker.

Jason

A Must Read

Bono At National Prayer Breakfast

My friend Dan Wilt posted the manuscript of Bono’s speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. I have long been a fan of Bono and I think this is an impressive and moving statement. Please take the time to read.

And sorry but there is no mention of him getting back together with Cher. ;-)

~ J

Stupid: Nature or Nurture?

Every day we go through life and encounter stupid people. How do they get like that? Where did they learn to be a jackass that drives 55 in the fast lane? What possesses them to keep their fat ass in airplane aisles for 1 minute and thirty three seconds to get their neck pillow, popcorn and cassette playing Walkman (yes they still make them), out of their bag before stowing it?

I spend a lot of time in airports and so I am constantly bombarded with a barrage of this type of madness. As I glare at the barbarian standing in the middle of the moving walkway holding their Jamba Juice, listening to Dave Matthews (further evidence of their stupidity), while 14 intelligent travelers are trying to get by, I begin to ask myself, how did they get there. Is it contagious? Did they go to a special school? Did their parents go to great lengths to mentor them and take out second mortgages to bring in special “idiot tutors”? Or do they just “home school”, so to speak.

I realize it may seem like I am describing discourteous behavior but I see them as parallel acts of offence. For my part, I wake up each day and try to educate my daughter so that she is not stupid. Well, I guess I am counting on “nurture”. If in the end, it is “nature” and my daughter turns to be one of the 46.45% of the population that suffers from “stupid”, I will just bite my lip and love her in the same unconditional way I do now.

Jason

Don't Miss The Meat

Cooking at home is great and all, but sometimes you just need a good meal out. Here are two that you must try:

BYBLOS CAFE - Mediterranean
This cafe is located just outside the Orange circle at 129 W. Chapman Avenue. They serve a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, and do it well. You must try the lamb , or if you try breakfast, the ....I forgot the name! I think it's the "Armenian breakfast," but I could be wrong. Anyway, I've eaten there a few times now and you should too.

SIMBALA - Chinese
Rowland Heights - 18489 Colima, next to SF Supermarket. It has bright yellow sign, but it's kind of tucked away. This place has AWESOME spicy beef noodle soup! In fact, it's the best I've ever had - here and in Taiwan. If nothing else, try that. Otherwise, I think they're known for sausage, because they have about 20 sausage dishes, and they're sausage is the best I've had as well. The fried chicken roll is good, the onion pancake is good, the sticky rice is good. I didn't really care for the distinctly Taiwanese shrimp with egg (Xia Zen Jian?) because of the sauce. The best of that dish is right across the street at Good Time Cafe, just make sure you're not ordering some scrambled egg with shrimp dish. The one you want is a mixture of egg, shrimp and vegetable fried into a sticky substance like Japanese Mochi, which is covered with a red sauce.

Enjoy!

~ Brock

OREGON TRAIL

On a recent work trip I was able to carve out some time and taste some wine. My primary visit was to St. Innocent but I also had the opportunity to go to Scott Paul Wines and Patricia Green. Primarily I tasted 04s and I was very impressed with these wines and the vintage. Not a lot of detailed notes but I do have some highlights.

(Mark getting us some samples)


St. Innocent
As always, it was great to visit with Mark Vlossak and glean from his knowledge. His 04s are going to be great right across the board. All of these were barrel samples and as always, these have zero stem inclusion.


04 Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir
This is only available on futures. First vintage from this vineyard and wow, buy it while you can. This will be an amazing $24 bottle of Pinot. I hesitated buying the futures but once I tasted, I whipped out my credit card. I am bummed that Mark no longer makes a Pinot from the Brick House Vineyard but this may fill the gap. Wonderful spice. Clove and pumpkin mixed with a touch of red fruits, while the dark fruits punch in periodically. This should be great right out of the gate. I wish it were bottled now.

04 Temperance Hill Pinot Noir
I normally don’t buy this bottling. It has never impressed me out of the barrel or bottle. But the 04 is great. For me it is the best Temperance yet. I will buy this one.

04 Shea Pinot Noir
Mark is working on this wine right now. We tasted multiple barrels as he using a number of techniques to deal with the present tannins. I am sure it will all come together as great wine. It seems like there are going to be many Pinots from Shea in 04 that will be winners of the vintage. (see my Patty Green note). So complex. Cherry fruit hits you at the front and then reappears 30 seconds later.

04 Seven Springs Pinot Noir
As always, this will probably only have only a short drinking window before needing to go to sleep. Great structure with solid acid that is a tart right now. Darker and more rustic profile.

04 Anden Pinot Noir (formally the lower half of 7 Springs)
I haven’t found an Anden I have liked yet. Better said, I haven’t found an Anden that was anywhere near ready to drink. My first impression of the 04 is that I will love it. For me, maybe the winner of the 04s but that is a guess since it will be years before it is ready to drink. Sweeter acid than the 7 springs but on the front end a great balance of dark fruit and minerals.



(Mark and Jason after having a lot of great Pinot)

Scott Paul Wines
I had never tasted Scott’s wines, so I was glad he was able to make some time for us the Carlton Winemakers Studio. I believe he said this will be his last vintage there and will be moving to his own place very soon. Very nice facility. A great setup with a number of wine-makers and yet it still has a personal feel. I was nice to taste his wines. Great wines made with restraint. Plenty to enjoy at first sip but my impression is these are wines that need time and are to be enjoyed be people that like subtlety.

(Scott Wright and me after enjoying some wine)

04 Cuvee Martha Pirrie Pinot Noir
Scott said he makes this wine as somewhat of a loss leader. A great idea since for about 20 bucks you can taste his wine and get a sense for his style. This is a very nice wine with a bit of primary fruit but also earthy nuances. Lots of strawberry and a touch of citrus. This was the favorite of my two friends.

04 La Paulee Pinot Noir
Showing darker fruit and more complexity but will need some time to work off the baby fat. Shows a bit of roast meats.

04 Audrey Pinot Noir
It was a quick stop with Scott but thankfully I had more time to enjoy this wine since Scott generously let me take this one home to my wife. This wine is not released yet which is wise on Scott’s part. Already showing its potential but the needs some bottle time. I think is at least a middle-ager. Powerful nose of earth, strawberry, flowers and even some stone. It has a silky texture that starts off with cherries but then followed by dark fruits and earth. Seems to have the stuffing but will need time to integrate better.
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Patricia Green
Jim Anderson of Patricia Green provided us with a great tasting of their wines. Their 04 line up is top notch.

04 Four Winds Chardonnay
I never had a chard from PG but I am now a fan. This is an extremely rich and complex chardonnay the sees all neutral wood. I would have guessed it did see new wood but it doesn’t. Very balanced acid and fruit with a touch of minerality. It was a bit buttery but it did not get in the way. The richness took it to the next level

04 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
This was the only 04 I had previously tried. When I had it previously, the nose bothered me because there was a lot of cat pee. I thought maybe I had an off bottle. Nope. Same thing. I found this wine a little odd. We will see if in a few years it comes together better.

04 Croft Vineyard Pinot Noir
Impressive full bodied Pinot. Full smoky nose combined with dark fruits, earth and brush. Lots of dark berries on the front end followed by pleasant tannins and acid.

04 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir
Wow. This wine is simply delicious. As with most of the PGs there is a dark earthy note on the nose and attack. The complexity is shown by all the bright fruits that come through on the mid palate and finish. This wine probably has a small window for drinking but has plenty of fruit tannin and acid to improve with some age. One of my favorites of the day.

04 Notorious Pinot Noir
This is meant to be the top wine from PG representing the best from multiple vineyards and see 100% new oak. As you can imagine, the 04 is showing a lot of oak at this stage but it is not overwhelmed IMHO. The fruit is there and it seems to have the ingredients to survive the oak. Great wine but not cheap. $70. This one should lie down for at least 5 years.

We had one other Pinot but I spaced and did not note which one it was. I think it was the Eason. An enjoyable wine as well but for my taste buds, all of these could use some time with the exception of the Shea, which I will struggle to keep my hands off when it arrives next week.

As I read through my notes, I thought where are the stinkers? Well thankfully, most of the wines we tasted were B+s or better. That is a good day.

I must also mention that while we were at dinner we had the 02 Drouhin Pinot Noir regular bottling and it was drinking really well.

Cheers,

Jason

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P.S. See the David Dain Smith interview HERE

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