This was the best IPNC to date due to terrfic 75 degree weather, in contrast to the usual 95 degree temps.
2004 Adelsheim, Pinot Noir, Elizabeth’s Reserve, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $43. This wine is back on track after the poor showing of the 2003. A little bit of earthy funk adds to the mixed red and black fruit. It is well balanced, with crisp acidity. Tannins are reigned in well. A pretty wine; 90/90.
2004 Craggy Range, Pinot Noir, Te Muna Road Vineyard, Martinborough, New Zealand, $40. Here’s another dandy Pinot showing the earthy, mushroomy, black fruit style of wine. Full and rich on the palate, the wine leans towards the jammy style without quite getting there – it should please fans on both sides of the fence; 90/90.
2004 Domaine Marc Roy, Clos Prieur, Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, France, $55. The wine has a lot earthy notes to accompany the black fruit spectrum displayed on the nose and palate. Just a touch of barnyard; 90/90.
2003 Domaine Michel Gros, Clos des Reas, Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy, France, $82. The wine has a typical Burgundian nose with modest barnyard funk that carries over to the palate. Extremely well balanced, with reasonable tannins, the wine displays a solid core of red and black fruits. This was the best of the 2003s tasted; 90/88.
2004 Domaine Pascal Bouley, Clos des Chênes, Volnay, Burgundy, France, $60. Lots of blackberry fruit and mushrooms underscores the nose and palate. A very well-structured wine. It is tannic, but they are rounded and should age out nicely. Pretty classic; 91/90.
2004 Panther Creek, Pinot Noir, Shea Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $40. Showing black fruit and sweet vanilla on the nose, the wine is very elegant on the entry. Tannins seem soft, but sneak up on you. They will drop out with proper cellar time. The wine is showing perfect balance of components for this stage on evolvement; 91/91.
2004 R. Stuart & Co., Pinot Noir, Autograph, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $30. There is a nice mix of red and black fruit here, well structured, with oak held in check. The overall balance is just lovely; 90/90.