2005 Harvest Moon RRV Pinot Noir

[dananne]

On our August trip to Sonoma, we spend a few hours one afternoon visiting with Randy Pitts, the winemaker who pretty much runs the show at the small family winery. He is a young, enthusiastic guy, and his philosophy really runs counter to the prevailing grain. He ranted in a provocative and highly entertaining way about rising alc levels, and what he sees as the flaws of wines produced by overripe grapes. He favors picking earlier, preserving better natural acidity, and getting wines that are better to pair with food. His Pinot grapes are picked at an almost comically low 21 brix. What is produced might be seen as one of the closest approximations of a traditional Burgundy wine.

We decanted 30 minutes before 1st pour. It showed a very clear and bright ruby color -- almost bordering on firehouse red. Aromas of cherry and strawberry are dominant, and there is the faintest whiff of cinnamon and vanilla. On first taste, the wine showed a bit green and perhaps underripe, with a very light, ethereal body. It would almost seem to confirm that the grapes were picked too soon. However, after an hour, it really began to come into its own. The tartness vanished, the fruit began to shine, and the underripe first impression disappeared, as the wine began to gradually build in intensity. After two hours, it turned into a a stunning and remarkable powerhouse, while keeping the feathery light body. I don't know if I've ever tasted anything that packed such a vivid punch, yet remained so light, delicate, and feminine in style. Amazing is the only word to describe the transformation. The acidity made it so vibrant and fresh, and it carried the fruit so purely, elegantly, and demurely. If the wine were a woman, she'd have silky hair, a perfect complexion, and a slinky black dress. She wouldn't be flashy, yet she would capture every eye in the room. Think more Audrey Hepburn than Angelina Jolie. With the intensity of red fruit flavors and gorgeous natural acidity, this thing will likely age so gracefully that it'll go 10 years easy. In fact, I'd love to taste it after 20 years, but we don't have enough bottles in the cellar nor the self-control to find out. Here's the kicker -- the whole thing carries an alc of 12.3%. Yes, you read that right. 12.3% Simply stunning. I don't think I've ever tried a domestic Pinot Noir that it could be compared to. We paid about $32 for it at the winery, which only produced about 200 cases. One of the best and most unique wines we've had in a very, very long time. We like Loring, Sea Smoke, etc., and we're on those mailing lists. This wine is nothing like those. Moreover, the style could only be described as controversial. Some people might flat out hate it. However, it does make a delicious and compelling argument that Pinot Noir can be handled in a completely different way and still make a stunning wine. I can't say enough about this wine, and how unique it is. I strongly urge Pinot fans to check it out if they ever get the chance, if only to try something so different from the usual domestic take on the grape.

[hotwine]

Sure sounds like a PN that I would enjoy. Great notes, Dan, thanks.

[VouvrayHead]

Sounds terrific. Great notes, too!

[Innkeeper]

Ditto, ditto, ditto!

[Kcwhippet]

Wow!!

[TheEngineer]

Love the note DA. The care and time you took with this one really emphases how impressed you were with a large exclamation mark!

[wondersofwine]

Another admirer of your notes on this. Really makes me want to try it.

[winoweenie]

Neat notes Dan'l. The only thing that concerns me is what in the blazes did you and Anne drink whilst waiting fer that hummer to open up? [img]http://wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img] WW

[dananne]

We had a SW open -- a Carneros Chard from Saintsbury. Not my cup-o', but it kept the mouth from getting dry [img]http://wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]




[This message has been edited by dananne (edited 11-28-2007).]

[dananne]

OK, so how weird is this:

I got my December wine club shipment from Harvest Moon yesterday, and it included the '05 Pinot Noir as one of the bottles. In the newsletter that came with the shipment, Randy Pitts describes it as being "as elegant as Audrey Hepburn."

From my description above, dated November 28: "Think more Audrey Hepburn than Angelina Jolie."

Strange coincidence!

Anyway, I found out that only 130 cases of it were produced. So, if you can find it anywhere, pounce.

[VouvrayHead]

Just opened the 2006 I got in my shipment...
I'm not going to bother trying to top Dan's notes on the 05, but I simply love this wine. Again, VERY elegant, high acid lovely stuff. Could handle plenty of cellaring. Not the usual Cali pinot, but I adore this style.
Dan, if you're on their list and noticed the outstanding deal they have on mixed cases, let this serve notice that the 06 is also well worth it, especially with their deal. Just makes sure to leave a few for when I order tomorrow [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

[wondersofwine]

Dan, rereading your note I really think you should call it to the attention of Randy Pitts. I bet he would love to see his wine described as you did.

[dananne]

Somehow, this slipped past me. VH, I'm glad someone else out there shares my love for this style. Really, I've tasted very little like it, particularly in Cali. Elegant is right, and I'm cheered to hear your report on the '06! I'll order accordingly!

Jane, thanks for your kind words [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Seriously, I hope some more of you get the chance to try this at some point, or one of their Zins, or really anything from them. In today's day and age when everything seems to blend together into sameness, it's exciting to find someone doing something different and succeeding at it.

[winoweenie]

Again seems like I'm missing WAY too many posts in me old age. Don't remember seeing this so musta' been outta town and didn't pick it up on return. Where in the RRV is Harvest Moon Dan'l? Need to find this juice before alla' youse greedies snap it up. Great notes by the way. WW

[dananne]

WW -- They're about 5 minutes from Swan. They're on Olivet Road between River Road and Guerneville Road. Near DeLoach, if memory serves. Their contact info is:

(707) 573-8711
http://www.harvestmoonwinery.com

Randy Pitts is running the family winery. I just looked at their website, and their online order page only lists different Zins, so the Pinot (and Cab, Gewurtz, etc.) might be only available for wine club folks, but it's a good club (we are very selective when it comes to joining clubs, as it takes away some of our control over purchases), and it allows you to get 25% off case purchases in addition to the club shipments. Anne has asked me to call them this weekend and inquire about the Pinot. When I've talked to them, I'll let you know what I've found out!