2000 Sokol Blosser Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

[dananne]

Wow. Now this is more like it! After two relatively expensive Pinot disappointments last weekend, we were happy to enjoy this one last night.

Deep ruby color, and wonderfully expressive nose that evolved in the decanter through the evening, from a floral/cherry early on, to more earthy nuances later, with subtle bacon fat, smoke, and just a hint of barnyard. Flavors of cherry and red berries, with a piney note coming on late. Good acidity, perfect texture, and fine tannins hold it together throughout. A stellar bottle that shows off the grape without resorting to overextraction. Unmistakably Willamette, but would fit into a flight of Burgundy nicely. Paid $25 locally at a shop called Wine Gallery and Market. Alc. 13.5% and integrated. Anne has instructed me to buy more. Twice as good as the Goldeneye we had last weekend, and at half the price. FWIW, WS gave it an 88 -- said to drink '04 or later.

After it was gone, we enjoyed a late dessert of baklava with a bottle of 1995 Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos. Doesn't get much better, though 19* in Atlanta last night felt CHILLY.

[Bucko]

Good juice, good value, good vintage.

[winoweenie]

Talked to a couple of friends in Atlanta this morn and gave them a weather report. Sounds like you had a much better nite than they. Was informed that your Alcohol Nazis in Georgia have gone berserk. I was told they raided the great steak-house " Bones " and confiscated ALL of the private lockers of their patrons wines. My buddy Artie Kanfer lost a couple of cases of 82 and 89 Bordeaux 1st. growths. The owners have been storing wines for their regulars for over 20 years and were never apprised of the fact this was not allowed under the archaic laws of the state. Am sure this will be vigorously challenged in court as there was over 80 cases of top end wine taken. Will the idiots ever see the light? WW

[dananne]

WW -- That's shocking and awful. I don't even know what else to say.