WTN: 2005 Lynmar Pinot Noir, Russian River

[Jenise]

Opened this singleton for a couple of pinotheads who dropped by last night, a bottle I'd purchased out of curiosity in California a few months ago after hearing good things about the wine though I can't place where or from whom. I'm sorry I wasn't more impressed. Though there was absolutely nothing wrong with the wine--no flaws, fully open--the fruit was a rather monotone Smith Brothers cherry cough drop with a bit of cola on the finish and nothing more--and in particular, none of the rich spice and kirsch tones that usually gives RR pinots their personality. Blind, I'd have pegged this as Carneros. For $39, there's better pinot out there.

"the fruit was a rather monotone Smith Brothers cherry cough drop with a bit of cola on the finish and nothing more"

See my "I hate California Pinot Noir rant."

I've tried this with people who were enthusing over it, and I just don't like the "style." And...you CAN make more subtle, less fruit bomby Pinots in California, it's just that 90% of the winemakers choose not to.

[Robin Garr]

I just don't like the "style." And...you CAN make more subtle, less fruit bomby Pinots in california, it's just that 90% of the winemakers choose not to.

Add my voice to the chorus, please. Thank you very much ...

[Jenise]

Brian said:

I've tried this with people who were enthusing over it, and I just don't like the "style." And...you CAN make more subtle, less fruit bomby Pinots in California, it's just that 90% of the winemakers choose not to.

Sure can (See my note from a few days ago on the 2004 Morgan Twelve Clones), though I don't share your dislike of California pinots. It's possible to have good strong fruit AND complexity in the same glass. This one was just boring.

A timely note...I was at Lynmar with four girlfriends a couple of weekends ago. We did the "Lynmar Food and Wine Experience"---'05 RRV Chard, '05 Quail Hill Chard, '05 RRV Pinot, and the '05 Quail Hill Pinot. All the Chards were sucked right down. The RRV Pinot was left in everyone's glass. I love their Chards, especially their '06 La Sereinite which sees no oak. That being said, I'm taking the '05 Quail Hill (which does see oak) to a wino potluck tonight (everyone is bringing their personal comfort food and wine).

[Jenise]

Traci, coming from you (we both love chardonnays, and I totally trust your palate) that's a strong reccomendation, and an important one cuz after the pinot I'd not likely have shown any interest in the chardonnays!

I opened a bottle of the Quail Hill PN '05 the other night. It's definitely fruit forward, but absolutely beautiful fruit. I rarely drink PNs and I drained this bottle without a thought. Red cherry, touch of black cherry, rounded out with graham cracker and cinnamon; A great lengthy finish; what's not to like?

Anyway, I believe Lynmar did the right thing with bringing in Hobbs as a consultant.

Just another view.....

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