1999 Vision Cellars Pinot Noir

[dananne]

Very dark color, looking more like a syrah. Nose of tart cherry and some tobacco. Flavors follow nose, with the cherry fruit somewhat restrained, and the tobacco, cocoa, and coffee bean elements coming to the front. I'd have liked a bit more exhuberant fruit, but this was very textured and interesting. Anne commented on the almost creamy mouthfeel. 13.5% alc. 75% Sonoma County fruit with 25% coming from Marin County. Paid $43, which is a bit steep. Still, I enjoyed it. FWIW, an African-American winery (son of an E. TX moonshiner went to Cali and started a winery). Also FWIW, WS gave this an 85, and WE reviewed the latest release this month and gave it a 90. You won't miss it on the shelves -- wonderful African mask label.

[dananne]

In the May 31 issue of Wine Spectator, James Laube profiles this winemaker. Nice read. Nice wine.

[dananne]

Had another one last night, and the cherry fruit is playing, joined by the same coffee and cocoa notes I noticed earlier, some toffee, and all in an appealingly earthy delivery. This was dynamite last night, and I will be looking to pick up a bottle of the recent vintage.

The thing I like so much about this wine is the fact that I feel challenged by each glass. A lot going on here. Also, after spending $40+ on some truly crummy PN in the past year, I will no longer complain about the price tag on this.

[wondersofwine]

I tried the Vision Cellars 2000 and 2002 Sonoma Pinot Noirs and 2002 Monterey Pinot Noir at a tasting event in Raleigh last February. I especially like the 2000 Sonoma P.N. which had such a great fragrance. I felt the Monterey was a little heavier in body and style. Got to speak briefly to the winemaker who was dressed in overalls (I believe though my memory could be faulty) and straw hat.

[winoweenie]

Sounds like Charlie Wagner. His clothes of choice. WW

[hotwine]

A gent after me very own. Uniform of the day.

[Kcwhippet]

I've met Mac a few times, mostly in Boston. I don't believe I've ever seen him without the straw hat. He always wears the overalls at the winery, and now it looks like he's taken them as his uniform elsewhere. He used to dress casually outside the winery, but not in the overalls. Oh well.