2001 Vincent Girardin Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux St. Jacques (France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru) 5/18/2007
With roasted duck. This had an interesting and expressive nose. Ripe and forward fruit, but with some Gevrey loam and mushroom smells also. Picked up a minty note with air. Nice balance between the structure and fruit. Black fruits mostly with good concentration. While this leans towards the more concentrated and masculine style, the mouth feel and tannins have some elegance. No overtly noticeable oak. Very enjoyable. Probably a little dark colored and fruit forward for Burg traditionalists. I liked this and thought it was of its place.
2002 Westrey Pinot Noir Reserve (USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley) 5/13/2007
I found this in the local Haggens supermarket, which is a little strange to see the 2002 vintage still on the shelf, from this smaller Oregon producer. This was good if just bordering on being over ripe, with both black and red fruits, blackberry and marionberry, some forest underbrush to keep it interesting. Mouth filling, but with decent balance. Good fresh acidity, silky texture, and good value for the quality compared with similar Oregon pinots at $29. I would like to try more from this producer based on this one. Clearly Oregon and a good example of 02 with ripe, big fruit but good balance. I think this is a blend from several different vineyards including Shea, Abbey Ridge, and Eola Hills. 13%abv.
2002 Westrey Pinot Noir Reserve 6/4/2007
I went back to the store for another bottle of this and it was a little better than the first bottle. Lots of Pinot funk, small berry fruit and I noticed in this bottle some of the gunpowder aroma that Bob Wood (over on Ebob) mentions as a signature of the Westrey wines. Nicely balanced with food friendly acidity that is not too spiky, and drinking well now with a touch of tannin. Very clearly of its place. Should hold and maybe improve for some time, but no reason not to enjoy this at the present.
Best,
Marc