2003 Surh Luchtel Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir

[dananne]

Santa Lucia Highlands.

We decanted this for a half hour before 1st pour. It offered the nose I was expecting from the vineyard, what I call "Christmas candle." Flavors of sugury sweet red berries, plum, and spices build to a somewhat hot and prickly finish of cola and clove. Much different animal from last weekend's Harvest Moon; it was a masculine Pinot Noir, not of the subtle, feminine variety. That's not necessarly a criticism, though. I enjoy this variety, too, on occasion, particularly on a cool, late fall evening when we're not pairing wine with food. 14.6% alc. I think it runs around $45-50. If we had another, I'd sit on it for another few years. For my taste, Garys' Vineyard wines (from most producers who use the grapes) show best at 5-7 years. For some reason, however, I rarely wait that long to pop them.