2011 Result of a Crush Walla Walla Valley
Basically, a second label for Reynvaan. Awful label--all white with a huge red lipstick lip-blot. But how different this bottle was than one we had 13 months ago. Barrel-batch variation? Not sure, but on the earlier one I noted 'pinot-like body' and green-olive dominant Crozes-like flavors, and this bottle (recent purchase, different source) had big body and grenache-like fruit, even some ripe sweetness. No similarity except that both had funk, which I enjoy and many don't.
2012 Cristom Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Willamette Valley
For my tastes, an exceptional vintage of the Jeff. Crisp raspberry and plum fruit with warm spice and herbs. Friendly now but has the backbone to be a 10-year+ wine.
2011 Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Pinot Noir Highliner Santa Barbara
Light to medium red; aging nicely but drinks well now with good acidity for food. Guessing it will peak in about 2-3 years.
2012 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Gioia Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Great nose of cherry, spice and iodine. Sensuous medium-full body pinot with relaxed tannins and proper acidity for age/vintage. Loved it, but concensus of other tasters that this wine has the stuffing for up to 7 years out from now surprises me. Can't agree and will set my own limit at 2018, though would be happy to be proven wrong.
2009 Poggio dell'Otto Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese
$19 crap shoot at Grocery Outlet, to quote another poster but upping the ante for the price charged in my area. Simple, candied flavors, more like a $10 new world low pedigree wine than an import. No depth, no 'old school', no sustainable interest. Run away!
2006 Trust Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Walla Walla
Maturing well. Not a huge wine, which for me is actually a plus, but it's a very elegant glass of cab with black cherry, tobacco, graphite and a hint of espresso.