2005 Selby Pinot NOir, Russian River Valley, CA

[wondersofwine]

14.2% alcohol (same as the previous two Pinot Noirs I tried)
Pretty color--red violet with deep rose corona at rim. Slightly less dense than the 1999 Opitz Pinot Noir.
First sniff while well chilled less aromatic than the Opitz. Slight suggestion of vinegar or ammonia. Also some dark plumskin and subtle herbs. Less volatility in time.
As it airs, I find it to be a thought-provoking wine. Raspberry and plum notes, a lingering finish. Juicy without being jammy.
I drank it the first night with chicken divan. I might try the next bottle (I bought three) with crispy skinned duck breast or Cornish hen. I think I may wait until 2008 to open the remaining bottles. Cork broke in half but I was able to extract the bottom half without it crumbling.
I may have been expecting too much from this wine as Susie Selby was excited about using a new French clone in this vintage, but I think it is promising and may be better in another year.