2002 David Bruce 'Brousseau' Vineyard Chalone AVA Pinot Noir
Cow Tse Tung
produce top of the line pinots as it looks to be too far inland
and too hot, but Chalone, David Bruce, and Testarossa all beg to
differ. I picked up this '02 at a tasting at David Bruce last
fall - I couldn't turn down the chance at a bottle of pinot aged
at the winery.
The nose is on the plummy side, but not particularly explosive.
The wine is a deep red, and looks dense, with a lot of glycerin,
not as sharp and clear as most pinots, maybe because its
unfiltered and unfined. Almost looks like it might throw a
sediment in another year or two.
On the palate its warm and soft - not 'hot' in an alcohol sense,
more like warm and friendly. Good with broiled rib-eye, and
good as a sipper. The fruit and oak are in balance, plums again
dominating with a nice touch of spice. The intenisity builds,
almost jammy on the finish, if you can imagine that in a pinot.
The finish doesn't particularly linger. A bit more weight than
most pinots, as expected from its appearance. Round and smooth,
but with heft.
All-in-all a well made, tasty wine. But only an 8+, for a 9
price...
--
"I never thought there were corners in time
until I was told to go stand in one"
....Grace Slick
PorkRhino
> All-in-all a well made, tasty wine. But only an 8+, for a 9
> price...
>
Sir, is it true that the Napa Valley may host a Grit Farm?
Cow Tse Tung
@s33g2000pri.googlegroups.com>, PorkRhino says...
>
> > All-in-all a well made, tasty wine. But only an 8+, for a 9
> > price...
>
> Sir, is it true that the Napa Valley may host a Grit Farm?
A Grit Farm? Whazzat?
PorkRhino
> In article <2bdf49e1-6597-4c06-8745-1562ac8b6ee5
> @s33g2000pri.googlegroups.com>, PorkRhino says...
>
>
>
> > > All-in-all a well made, tasty wine. But only an 8+, for a 9
> > > price...
>
> > Sir, is it true that the Napa Valley may host a Grit Farm?
>
> A Grit Farm? Whazzat?
>
Grits, the breakfast cereal they eat in the South, aka Dixie. Grits
are harvested from Grit Trees, mainly from Alabama. I learned about
grits in the US Army.
Cow Tse Tung
@x19g2000prg.googlegroups.com>, PorkRhino says...
Ah-ha. I lived down south in the early 70's (Fla/NC/Tenn).
Grits are pretty good, with enough butter. But then, as Emeril
would say, with enough butter even a car bumper would taste
good...
As to Napa, while they may grow 'em, don't expect to see them on
the menu at the French Laundry.
PorkRhino
Maybe in Saint Helena then....
Cow Tse Tung
@w8g2000prd.googlegroups.com>, PorkRhino says...
I've always generally preferred Sonoma. I came close to being a
partner in a rock'n'roll club in Healdsburg back during the NOTB
days. And I think you get more bang for your buck with the wine.
And to keep this on-topic, Friday I opened a bottle of
Testarossa's '05 Brousseau pinot. A bit of a disappointment,
given TR's reputation. The David Bruce '02 was much better.
Aratzio
alt.alien.vampire.flonk.flonk.flonk, Cow Tse Tung
<chairm...@hotmail.com> got double secret probation for writing:
Just got my 6-pack of Armida from up the Russian River. Will report.
2 weeks is the Williams-Selyem pick-up weekend. Will report.
Plan on pick-up and then go back around to Eastside Road. Never tried
any of those wineries.
--
A Number 1, Grade A, Prime USDA 'Ratz
Accept No Substitute
Cow Tse Tung
says...
I've never tried Armida wines. The wine shop in Monterey I
visit from time to time has some of their Zin, but that's all I
see online. I'll be interested to hear what you think.
> 2 weeks is the Williams-Selyem pick-up weekend. Will report.
I had mine shipped, so they arrived a week or so ago. I'll
probably open one next month when my kid sister gets here from
the East Coast. She drinks mostly zin and beaujoulais, and
doesn't understand what I see in pinot, so I'm hoping to show
off a few of my better bottles - W-S, Sea Smoke, Siduri
Aratzio
I've had their:
Baciagalupi Pinot Noir, good, needs a little more body.
Maples Zinfandel - Superb
Stuhmiller Cabernet - Outstanding, not a Cab fan and I really like
this one.
Il Campo Blend - Very good *drinking* wine.
>
>> 2 weeks is the Williams-Selyem pick-up weekend. Will report.
>
>I had mine shipped, so they arrived a week or so ago. I'll
>probably open one next month when my kid sister gets here from
>the East Coast. She drinks mostly zin and beaujoulais, and
>doesn't understand what I see in pinot, so I'm hoping to show
>off a few of my better bottles - W-S, Sea Smoke, Siduri
I discovered Armida because I went to the Pick-Up weekend. They are a
couple miles north of W-S.
Rob Derhak
Ripple is nice.
And don't get me started on Boone's Farm, Doc.
Aratzio
alt.alien.vampire.flonk.flonk.flonk, Rob Derhak <M...@Bass.gov.> got
Annie Green Springs was much better.
Cow Tse Tung
says...
Ripple has been my favorite Grateful Dead tune since
American Beauty came out.
"If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung,
Would you hear my voice come thru the music,
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken,
Perhaps they're better left unsung.
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air.
Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.
There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.
Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.
You who choose to lead must follow,
But if you fall you fall alone,
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home."