2000 Iron Horse Sonoma - Green Valley Pinot Noir

[dananne]

Color between garnet and ruby -- decanted 30 minutes before pouring and throughout evening. Nice candied cherry nose with some red spices. Flavors follow, but there was a somewhat unpleasant tartness to the finish initially that went away with extended airing. Well structured with fine tannins holding the candied cherry flavors in check, and the texture was typical Pinot. This was a nice wine, but IMHO not as good as the '99. Alc. 14.3%. Received as a gift, though it runs around $30. FWIW, WE gave it a 91 -- Editor's Choice.

[Drew]

I've been staying away from Iron Horse as their pinots were always too earthy over the top for me...have they changed this style or is this a wrong impression?

Drew

[dananne]

You know, I've heard that from others, too. The thing I liked so much about the '99 was a distinct pine needle thing going on -- it wasn't present in this one. I didn't get much earth in either. In fact, I would have liked to see some earth in this one to counterbalance the really sweet candied cherry flavors.