WTN: 2005 Joseph Swan Pinot Noir CdT

2005 Joseph Swan Pinot Noir Cuvee de Trois RRV
I had tried this once before at Dietz’s place but it was after many bottles of wine and right after pouring a horribly corked Kosta Browne into my glass. When we moved on to the Swan, I really enjoyed it but it was basically sniffing swirling spitting. Now it was time to appreciate what is going on here. The nose is bursting out of the glass. Ripe fruit and citrus peel. Really reminded me more of Central Cali than RRV. On the 04 I got more of a “stem” quality, but I did not notice it here. Really wonderful, primary aromatics. The flavors followed. Big and ripe but miles away from heavy. Semi ripe strawberries and citrus. In the middle, there was a mix of herbs and blue fruit. Finishes with black cherry. Really nice mouth feel. It was silky in a way I do not notice in Cali pinot. Really nice balance. No noticeable tannin. Great acidity. Very refreshing at this stage. No flaws and very clean. Not sure how long this one will go but I don’t see another 4 or 5 years being any problem. But if you enjoy things more on the primary side and are not afraid of a little acidity … drink up! 93 pts

Jason

Yep. Rod sells most of the Cuvee de Trois to the restaurant trade.
Try the Great Oak, Saralee's, or Steiner vineyard PNs for more traditional PN. The estate PN is a real classic - much leaner than the others and takes a long time to develop. It reminds me of a Nuits St. George, only with some California floating around the edges. I haven't opened any of the estate more recent than 1995.

[Jenise]

The estate PN is a real classic - much leaner than the others and takes a long time to develop. It reminds me of a Nuits St. George, only with some California floating around the edges. I haven't opened any of the estate more recent than 1995.

I think the 95 is just coming into view right now. Very tannic vintage, should be almost immortal.