WTN: 2012 Failla Pinot Noir

[Jenise]

I'm currently sipping a glass of this as I peruse the board so thought heck, I'll post.

My first Failla Pinot, btw. Had a chardonnay from them about a year ago that I found just a little too sweet for my tastes. I think I can say the same of this pinot, though it certainly isn't a wine that sports jammy ripeness. In fact, in all other respects it shows a lot of green--good green, herbaceous green, tomato leaf green, but green nonetheless. Pleasantly balanced, good acidity, and all's right with the world except the bitter green that lingers in the finish. That is, just when I take another taste (just now) and think I'm maybe being a little too judgmental, here comes that bitter note in the last moment and says nah, you weren't.

Jenise, if this was the Sonoma Coast Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir, then it is maybe a function of the vintage. I had a Failla Hirsch 2010 or 2011, 2 Autumns ago and it was absolutely fabulous with deep mushroom/forest floor notes mixed with sour cherry fruit in the background. Cretainly the most " Burgundian" Cal. Pinot Noir I have ever tasted and one of those wines you just want to sniff forever but the taste did not disappointment either. Unfortunately $50 (on discount from $75) but would grab it again at that price. This is an Ehran Jordan wine and one Il will be on the lookout for.

[Jenise]

Jim, this wasn't a single vineyard bottling, just the basic at $35. But it sure didn't read Sonoma to me or show the hallmarks of a top producer, at least as I would recognize same. And 12 is a pretty good year from what I understand. At least, Brian Loring's very excited about it and the Rivers-Maries I've had are exceptional. Hence, higher expectations from me for this wine since it's a "talked about" name.