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+--- Thread: 1999 Aldgate Ridge Pinot Noir (/thread-8486.html)
- wondersofwine - 11-19-2003
Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Imported by Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA
(from new Burgundian clones, 5-acre planting on a hillside) 13.5% alcohol
Dark, dark purple; opaque; tear drops forming on the glass.
Nose: dark fruits including boysenberries; possibly some blueberries, and cedar.
Palate: A little too slanted to the cedar rather than the fruit. Bit harsh and tannic for a Pinot Noir. Does linger a long time on the finish. Should be revisited in 3 or 4 years to see if the wood integrates with the fruit. At this stage a would give a rating of no more than 84, maybe less, but I think it may have potential to score in high 80's with some aging. I'll decant tomorrow and try again. (I had with frozen dinner of baked potatoes with broccoli, cheese and bacon.) A Pinot Noir that mimics a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah? Certainly doesn't come across as a Burgundy. Would probably match better with steak or ribs.
Second evening, slightly better, more integrated after decanting for an hour. Had with broiled sirloin tip steak. Even so, I probably wouldn't purchase again. Siduri and Loring do a better job of big pinot noirs.