2002 Patricia Green Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir

[dananne]

Supposedly, this is the first time an Oregon winery has made a Pinot from California fruit (Hirsch is a Sonoma Coast vineyard).

Decanted 30 minutes before 1st pour. Deep color for a Pinot, nearly purple in the glass. Complex nose of cinnamon stick, cherries, and coffee grounds. Heavy, dense flavors and weight that was, I'll admit, a bit much for me. It's not the alc., as that's only 13.5% -- not at all out of line for today's PN. Flavors follow the nose in waves, but the whole thing just needs to calm down -- it kinda reminded me of greeting a big, friendly dog, in that you like the slobbery kisses at first, but are then thinking, "Okay, dog, that's enough. Get your tongue away from my face." Or, maybe that's just me, I don't know. Anyway, it got better the second night, but not even an evening in a decanter mellowed it much. Anne liked it more than I did. We've got another bottle, but we won't touch it for 5 years. Paid $43 locally.

[Innkeeper]

Don't let the scribes from WS hear you. They think the Far, High, Remote, Practically Inaccessible, Sonoma Coast is the site of the Holy Grail.

[dananne]

OK, a little bottle age really helped this out, even though I didn't wait 5 years. Clear ruby in the glass, aromas of cherry and clove, and a lithe, pretty texture presents the cherry and red currant fruit with hints of cinnamon and mint on the finish. Fantastic. The whole package really has calmed down and evolved into a beautiful wine.