2002 Penner Ash Pinot Noir

[dananne]

Had another last night, partly to celebrate Anne's day, which saw her arguing a case in front of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. It has mellowed with the additional bottle aging, offering a lighter, more transparent ruby color, with the nose and flavors showing red berries and cinnamon. The finish is slightly spicy, and there are still traces of light, dusty tannins on the finish. Lovely wine, and it's now starting to enter the optimal drinking window, we think. Anne was very happy with it. It'll probably continue drinking well for about 3-5 years before starting a slow decline, but it's still not at the point where the primary flavors are turning over to the secondary ones. Lots of life here, with good acidity that will help it along it's merry way. We may open another around the holidays. Clearly the initial idea to drink it over 10 years is out the door at this point. It's too good to sit on, wine is made to be consumed, and we've got too little cellar space left (particularly after this summer's trip to Cali). Plus, at some point, we're going to have to move along to the '04s and '05s!