WTN: Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir x two

One thing the two wines had in common was that I thought both improved on the second evening after opening.

2006 Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA 14.2% abv. The Wine Merchant, Raleigh fir $31.45.
Purple-red color; semi-opaque. Disappointing on the first evening--somewhat tannic and not as inviting as I was expecting. Overpriced. However, I liked it better the second evening so it redeemed itself to a degree. I have enjoyed the Twelve Clones in the past.

2004 Loring Wine Company Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Ca 14.8% abv Screwcap.
Purple color. Tastes a little "grapey" with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Seemed to improve on the second and third evenings. Less "grapiness" and more dark plum with refined "earthy" and spice notes. My personal rating went from maybe 84 on the first night to 87 or 88. The heat of almost 15% alcohol was muted by other contributing elements. No reason to hold any longer if you have this wine. Seemed fully mature.

Thanks for the notes.

Hi Jane, do you have any opinions about Robert Stemmler Carneros P.N.? I'm having a 1/2 case shipped soon of their 2010.

Hi Jane,

One question about these wines: How oaky were they? I find that Loring pinots have had quite a bit of oak and tannin in them, especially the older ones. The oakiness/tannins take some time and air to resolve. This may be part of what you are experiencing with these wines.

The 06s of Loring got better after being decanted and some time. The next night sas good. I decided the first bottle was off which I giess screw tops do not protect us from.

Tom, I didn't find the Loring Pinot particularly oaky. It just seemed "grapey" to me the first evening. I still have a number of LWC Pinots from past orders so will report on them from time to time. Jim, I don't claim familiarity with the Stemmler Pinots. Let us know what you think after you try them.

Tom, I didn't find the Loring Pinot particularly oaky. It just seemed "grapey" to me the first evening. I still have a number of LWC Pinots from past orders so will report on them from time to time. Jim, I don't claim familiarity with the Stemmler Pinots. Let us know what you think after you try them.

Tom, I've had the Stemmler RRV Pinot, but not the Carneros. I liked it well enough to try the Carneros if I came across it.