1999 Rodney Strong Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Appearance: medium to deep purple, slight brickiness.
Nose: good Pinot nose with marked red cherry fruit; quite alcoholic but still pleasant, some clove and cinnamon from the oak.
Palate: good acidity, nice length, high alcohol but balanced with good oak and supple lowish tannins.
Conclusion: far better than expected, but only because we've had some pretty dreadful – and dreadfully overpriced – Californian Pinot Noir (the best wines probably don't leave the state). Russian River Valley is supposed to be a decent region for Pinot. Ideally, this should be enjoyed now, but might benefit from some further short-term ageing.
Rating: 17.5/20
Appearance: medium to deep purple, slight brickiness.
Nose: good Pinot nose with marked red cherry fruit; quite alcoholic but still pleasant, some clove and cinnamon from the oak.
Palate: good acidity, nice length, high alcohol but balanced with good oak and supple lowish tannins.
Conclusion: far better than expected, but only because we've had some pretty dreadful – and dreadfully overpriced – Californian Pinot Noir (the best wines probably don't leave the state). Russian River Valley is supposed to be a decent region for Pinot. Ideally, this should be enjoyed now, but might benefit from some further short-term ageing.
Rating: 17.5/20
Labels: 1999, California, Pinot Noir, red, Rodney Strong, Russian River Valley
posted by Wine Dragon
at
14:58
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