Revised (upward) opinion

[wondersofwine]

I commented earlier that the 2000 Steele Carneros Pinot Noir did not equal the 1999 vintage. Tasting the 2000 with Jed Steele just a few months ago in Raleigh I found it to be somewhat disappointing. He himself said it was a lighter wine than the 1999.
On a recent trip to Florida I was put in charge of choosing the wine for a family dinner at a restaurant and saw Steele Pinot Noir on the menu with no vintage listed. I asked the vintage and was told 2001. I went ahead and ordered it but it turned out to be the 2000 vintage. However it was not the light, almost watery wine I sampled in Raleigh. This was, as the server assured us, a beautiful wine--medium-bodied with enchanting bouquet and flavor. I don't know if this was bottle variation or if the wine just needed a few months to get past an awkward stage. I think I have one bottle of the 2000 at home and will now be eager to try it.