I was motivated to taste this because of the great Parker comment regarding the 03 and 04. I originally planned on drinking the 03 and 04 together to find out if I was a masochist or hedonist but I got a chance to taste someone else’s bottle and it was very apparent it needed time. So onto the 04!
2004 Arcadian Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (1/20/2008)
Smells hot. Not too exciting. Seems more like SC from a hot vintage. Later in the evening, it mellowed. Still very ripe and not overly interesting …. But nice. On the palate there is hot fruit. Alchohol very present. I decided to chill it down which made a lot of difference. Laura said pruny. I didn't get that. Actually pretty nice as the evening went on. Probably would have guessed it as a Loring. Very ripe but no heat. Didn't notice the oak. But lots of fruit and cola. Certainly very enjoyable but not in the same league as the 03. Too young to show much complexity … but I am not sure how much this will develop. Probably wait awhile before opening the next one. (89 pts.)
Peace,
Jason