WTN: 2010 Rhys Pinot Noir Family Farm

On Friday, I prepared Shrimp Marinara following the recipe from Lidia Bastianich that was in that week's dining section of the NY Times. I served it over Angel Hair and am looking forward to the leftovers tonight. I wasn't thinking too hard about the wine pairing because I wanted to open a Rhys, and after checking the website and reading the tasting notes, decided on this one.

It was very tight when first opened, so I grabbed a decanter. An hour later, it had relaxed but retained plenty of structure. Lovely aromatics showing pine and bright fruit. The palate was juicy red fruit, earth, and florals. The finish was long and delicious. After experiencing several disappointments with this vineyard, I finally had a Family Farm I enjoyed.

[David M. Bueker]

What about the FF Pinots has disappointed you? Did you get the brett affected 2009s?

Yes, 2 out of 4 2009 were undrinkable due to brett - I haven't opened the remaining two. A 2007 that I drank a year ago gave up nothing, but after being open 3 days, it finally was drinking nicely. Then there was the 2004 - VA which eventually blew off, but again, brett that marred the wine. I haven't opened the 2008 that I have, but, as you can see, Family Farm has been disappointing, and I don't think I will purchase this vineyard on the next mailer.

I just checked my Cellartracker notes, and I see that I had a bottle of the 2008, and didn't find it particularly appealing, nor, apparently, memorable.