On this trip, one host referred to us as "Pinotphobes." Yes, that about sums me up - one who searches for the best Pinot Noir the world has to offer. So, this part of the journey would hold great promise as we visited several of the world's great Pinot makers.
1. Merry Edwards - We enjoyed a sit-down private tasting with the most renowned woman in the winemaking biz, Merry Edwards. Ok, she wasn't there, but our host was quite nice. Five glasses sat before us, four of which contained the current Pinot Noir offerings while the last held Edward's now famous Sauvignon Blanc. These Pinots are the kind you cellar for a few years as they come off the bottle young but very structured. This is the kind of wine you build a cellar around, so we purchases the Meredith Estate 2007. Also, we bought the Sauv Blanc, as this is one of my new favorites. It truly is worth all of the hype - 96 points Wine Spectator, etc. This is a big stand-alone white which defies much of what you know about Sauvignon Blanc. There is a good reason this white tasted last after four reds.
2. Dutton Goldfield - One of the Dutton Brothers operate this one while the other is a mile or two up the road. I've had one of these Pinots before and found it yummy. So, I wasn't disappointed here. Nice little house with no one around but us... we got a few bonus pours. I was surprised to see Gewurztraminer and Zinfandel on the list but they're both worth a try. Most surprising was the Rued Vineyard Chardonnay which was rich and full bodied. This is what we bought.
3. Dutton Estate - Brother number two seems to build his around Chardonnay and Pinot Noir although he has a fine Syrah as well - "My Father's Syrah." I focused on the Pinot Noir, of course, of which all three received curtain calls in 2007. The Karmen Isabella and the Thomas Road Pinot Noir is why one comes to the Russian River. We have one of each from 2008 and will be back for more I assure you.
4. Gary Ferrell - Everything here is good. Everything. We joined the wine club, enough said? Since we joined the club, we received a sweet discount on the Hallberg Vineyard 2007 Pinot. Reviewed by most 92 points and up. I am in total agreement. Do visit here, it is a wonderful house with outstanding views and even better wines.
5. Thomas George - Hey, it's a cave! Climate controlled, sprinkler systemed, and electrified.. it's a cave. The Pinots are good here.
6. Longboard - The Big Kahuna of the wine world shows off bold offerings of otherwise predictable grapes. I've been a fan of the Russian River Pinot Noir for some time, but Oded Shakked has a way with Syrah. Although not listed on his website, we now own a signed bottled of the Maverick Syrah! And Oded is right, KY Rocks! Well sometimes anyway...
Tomorrow is Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. Time for big Zinz!
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