2005 Steele Carneros Pinot noir

[wondersofwine]

with shitake wontons in ginger plum sauce and duck breast with sesame-coated asparagus

Immediate impression is that this is more full-bodied than past vintages I've had. Dense and opaque dark purple red (in dim lighting). Pleasant dark fruits on mid-palate; slight "heat" on the finish with some pepper notes but also a bit flowery. Hothouse orchids? Nice match to the sauce on the duck breast (plum ginger)
Nice presentation--the sauce was drizzled in a petal pattern on the dish and the slices of duck breast were fanned out around the sesame asparagus, also edamame on the plate.

[Kcwhippet]

If you like the 2005 PN's, wait til you try the 2006 versions, particularly from the Willamette Vly. Brian Loring told me he feels the 06 PN's from the Momtazi Vyd (he makes the version from Pali Winery)may just be the first 100 pointers. We'll see, I guess.

[dananne]

I have heard much the same about '06 as KC. Everyone was very optimistic at the time of our visit, and the follow-up conversations I've had with folks have been very exciting.

I believe the vineyard he referenced above is where Maysara is located, and I think the owners of the vineyard are of Iranian heritage, which is interesting.