2002 Tobin James Pinot Noir

[Innkeeper]

2002 Tobin James, Pinot Envy, Pinot Noir, Monterey ($28). Alcohol 14.8%. Much different and more expensive than previous TJ Pinots. Lots of cheery and other juicy red fruit on the nose and upfront. Very rich and earthy across the palate, but somewhat hot at the end. Nice finish. They didn't designate a Monterey vineyard, but suspect that it was one with long hangtime. Having said all this, it is not a Syrah-like Pinot.

Matched it with a dish we had not had it many years if not decades. It is a Swiss recipe for thick ham slices. Since I butchered the remains of our Christmas ham today, we had some of those (we also had enough lean slices for four more meals, and enough ground ham for two ham loaves). Any how, this is how this one goes. You take an egg and 3/4 cup of almond slices and shake them together. Then put the mix in a shallow dish and coat two thick ham slices, that have been sprinkled with granulated garlic, with them pressing hard. Saute them in butter and reserve them on a platter in a warming oven. Deglaze the pan with a half cup of heavy cream with a tsp of Dijon mustard mixed into it. Pour/scrape it over the ham slices and serve with green beans and mashed potatoes.

[winoweenie]

Opened my bottle from whatever shipment last nite.Seems the extra time in bottle has helped the "hot" factor. A very nice uncomplicated Pinot.86/90. 14.8% alc. WW