- 2008 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley (6/9/2013)
Is this a joke. I had this a few years ago and the smoke was fairly smokey but I could choke a glass down when focusing on the fruit. Now this is just basically a smoked porter with acid. Gross! Took about 30 minutes and a meal to get the taste out of my mouth. - 2011 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Villages Cuvée - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (5/25/2013)
After kicking myself for not backing up the truck on the mind blowing 2010 version, I made sure to check in on this while I could still get some. Well this wine shows the difference between the vintages. Not quite as showy as the 2010. The 2011 is leaner and softer on the mouthfeel. Where as the 2010 would probably work for any pinot lover, this would appeal more to Oregon and Burg folks. This needs a good decant or better yet, being left open over night. On this second night, this really woke up. Purple fruit aromatics. Red fuit flavors with med/high acid. On the first night I would call this pleasant and brisk. On the second night there was a bit of purple fruit and lavender. The wine gained weight and complexity. My guess this should hit its stride in 2-4 years. (89 pts.) - 2005 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir Chileno Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/23/2013)
My last recollection of tasting this was in 2010 when it was served blind. My note suggests that stems were all over this thing. As for now, they seemed much more in sync with the wine. Nice earthy aromas. The fruit is aggressive on the palate. Big acidic cherries. The finish is clipped. Things seem pretty integrated and seems like a good time to drink up. Recommend having with food. (89 pts.) - 2005 Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir La Neblina - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (5/20/2013)
I had saved about half of the bottle for 2 nights with the cork in it. The first night the aromatics were clean and bold but after 2 nights it was a VA bomb. Like other 05 Cali pinots I have had lately, the palate is very aggressive. I wish they were a little more laid back. So much of it is just right in your face. But overall it worked and finished nice an clean. It did not survive the 2 days. By then it was sour and showing off flavors. I suspect its best years are behind it. (86 pts.)
Cheers,
Jason
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