May 5, 2013
Cork Dork Etude: Inspired Wines of the Carneros the Gardener: Got Organic Grapes? Bravium: Relish the Acidity Rivers-Marie: 2010 & 2011 Reflect the Challenges of Farming on the Edge Dunstan Wines from Durell Vineyard Foursight Wines: Family Excels with Pinot COBB Wines: No Wine Before Its Time Sips of Pinot: Wines Tasted Recently Rosé and Chardonnay: Recently Sampled Wines Pinot Briefs
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Vineyard: Bacigalupi
| Owner | Bacigalupi Family |
| Appellation | Russian River Valley |
| Varieties | Pinot Noir |
Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard
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Pinots of Distinction (8.40 6/30/2011)
Chronicle Wines: Master Winemaker's Touch (8.7 12/16/2009)
Mining for Good Under-$30 Pinot: Inflation Tamers (8.32 3/1/2011)
Tasting Pinot with Plenty of Noir (9.9 7/21/2012)
Adventures Along the Pinot Trail, Part 3 (6.34 7/30/2007)
Reach for the Middle for Pinot Noir (8.26 11/24/2010)
John Tyler Wines: Ageworthy Wines with Pedigree (9.4 3/21/2012)
Arista Winery: Now A Member of the Westside Road Elite (8.42 8/11/2011)
John Tyler/Bacigalupi Wines: Honoring the Legacy (9.21 3/23/2013)
Pinot Noir Shootout Favorites (6.13 1/22/2007)
Wineries sourcing from this vineyard
Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard
2010 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 371 cases, $48. Released April 2012. After a cold soak, the grapes
were inoculated with proprietary yeast, racked into French oak barrels, and aged
for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple
color in the glass. Lovely mix of fresh, vivid aromas of red cherries, red
strawberries, savory herbs and sandalwood. Delicious essence of ripe red
cherries and berries with a delightful earthy, savory bent. Well-composed with
gossamer tannins and some length on the high-spirited, refreshing finish. Very
good (+).
Reviewed July 23, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2009 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
825 cases, $45. 1-year of bottle
age. Release April 1, 2013.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color and clear in the glass. Very European in style with
a savory nose of leaf, herbs, cherries and strawberries. Deep, lip-smacking cherry flavor with a spicy
undertone. Impeccable balance and appealing elegance. This is a show-stopper from a superb vintage.
Very good.
Reviewed March 23, 2013
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5%
alc., 290 cases, $48. Released May 2011. From the Amador Family who have
been ranching in Sonoma County for generations. Young Trini Amador, IV,
began making wine at age 15 in his family garage, and went on to earn a degree
in enology and viticulture. Winemaking was traditional with aging in French oak
barrels for 11 months. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple
color in the glass. Aromas of red cherries and strawberries backed by
complimentary oak. A lighter, elegant offering centered on cherry flavor with
accents of cola, sassafras, vanilla, spice and herbs. Picks up interest over time
in the glass becoming more vivid and praiseworthy. Gentle and easy to drink.
Source: website. Very good.
Reviewed July 1, 2011
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 290 cases, $48. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months. Vinified
by Trini Amador. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the
glass. Very attractive aromatic profile featuring scents of dark red cherries and
berries, herbs, grass, tea leaf and the slightest hint of barnyard. Ephemeral in
the mouth with tasty herb-imbued flavors of dark red pie cherries with a sidecar
of complimentary oak. Soft and smooth on the palate with a good spark of
acidity adding vivaciousness, and ending with a very memorable and long, cherry-driven
finish. Very good (+).
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2009 Arista Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.82, TA .52, 106 cases,
$58. Released spring 2011. Plantings date from the early 1960s with cuttings from Carl Wente in the
Livermore Valley. 2 tons of old Wente Selection and 2 tons of Pommard clone Pinot Noir. Aged in 17% new,
33% 1-year-old, and 50% 2-3-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass.
Haunting aromas of cherry pie filling, damp earth and stem. As typical with this vineyard, the cherry fruit has a
mild herbal, tar and tobacco riff. Soft and elegant in the mouth with fine-grain powdery tannins. A unique
expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Good (+).
Reviewed August 13, 2011
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2009 Arista Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.52, 106 cases,
$58. Combination of old Wente Selection and Pommard clone.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass. Appealing aromas of dark red pie cherries, fennel and Italian seasoning. Very savory on the palate with
a medium weight core of ripe Bing cherries, cola and Chinese 5-spice flavors wrapped in soft tannins. Picks up
interest and intensity over time in the glass. The velvety texture is very seductive. Very good.
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2008 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 590 cases, $45. Wente
and Pommard clones. 3 tons fermented whole cluster, 11 tons crushed. 7-day cold soak, inoculated for
malolactic.
·
Moderate dark red rose color in the glass. Invigorating aromas of perfectly ripe red cherries and
red berries, nicely spiced, and complimented by a hint of oak. Very approachable now with a middleweight
core of Bing cherry, baking spice, cola and sandalwood flavors. A hint of savory herbs adds interest. Soft in the
mouth with moderate tannins and refreshing acidity. This wine is the most fruit-forward of the vintages at this
early stage. Very good (+).
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2008 Arista Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4%
alc., $56.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Demure aromas
of spiced Bing cherries picking up more of a savory, leafy bent in the glass over
time. Discreet array of medium-weighted dark red Pinot fruit flavors with notes
of herbs and mushroom. A relatively simple wine now with impeccably
balanced tannins and acidity that is youthful, and will benefit from more
development in the bottle. Good.
Reviewed November 24, 2010
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2008 Rudd Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.6% alc., $75. This Oakville Estate winery is the only winery to
produce a wine from the original 65-year-old Paris Tasting Block at
Bacigalupi Vineyard. It is the only Rudd wine made from purchased
fruit. This release is the ninth vintage. Each year the fruit production of
this vineyard decreases due to the age of the vines. Barrel-fermented
with 100% MLF.
·
Light straw color with mild haze (unfiltered).
Invigorating aromas of lemon curd, baked pear, oak, and a hint of butter and
grapefruit. Delicious flavors of white peach, pear, and complimentary toasty oak
with an undertone of minerality and a riff of lemon on the lengthy finish. The
creamy texture adds appeal. A spectacular offering made from vines of great historical significance that will please any
Chardonnay connoisseur.
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2007 Macrae Family Vineyards Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $30. Winemaker Kerry
Damskey.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Lovely,
complex nose offering aromas of black cherries, mixed berries, rose
petals and newly sawn wood. Lighter weighted, crisp and juicy, with
ripe stone fruit flavors and a hint of grapefruit peel in the background.
Good (+). (Note: check with winery on availability as this was
obtained from Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa and is not offered on the winery’s
website).
Reviewed March 2, 2011
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2007 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Clonal Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 364
cases, $45. Pommard clone from Frost Ranch.
·
Medium dark orange-red color in the glass. Very fruity
aromatics offering scents of fresh berry tart, black cherries and sandalwood. Moderately forceful and assertive
with noticeable tannin, offering flavors of plum reduction sauce, ripe strawberries and black raspberries, grilled
beef and spice. Fine now, but could use more time in bottle for optimum enjoyment. Very good.
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2007 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Wente Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 418 cases, $45. 100% old Wente
selection from Bacigalupi Vineyard at Goddard Ranch.
·
Moderately dark
reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of dark cherry and
berry mash with a hint of rose petal. Vibrant fruit on the mid palate with
intense flavors of black cherries, dark berries and cassis, carrying over
on the richly endowed and persistent finish. This wine really attracts your
attention, offering and retracting numerous fruit and savory flavors over time in
the glass. Well structured with moderate tannins, without the power and
concentration of the 2005 bottling, but offering more appealing charm and
complexity. Will easily last another 10 years.
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2007 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Wente Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 418
cases, $45.
·
Medium reddish-purple hue and clear in the glass. Aromas of very ripe black cherries and berries
with a floral accent. Intense flavors of black cherries, black currant and cassis with ripe, full tannins and a
savory note in the background. From a bottle opened one day prior. Good.
Reviewed March 23, 2013
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2006 Chronicle Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel
14.5%
alc., 165 cases, $36.
·
Lovely nose of fresh black cherries and berries with hints
of pepper and oak char. Plenty of sweet fruit with herbal oak in the background.
Very smooth and suave with generous fine-grained tannins and a tangy lift to the
finish. Lighter in weight than the Old Vines bottling and more appealing to me.
Ageworthy. Very good.
Reviewed December 16, 2009
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2006 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
689 cases, $48. Not tasted.
·
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2005 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 675 cases, $50.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued aromas of darker berries and underbrush. Delicious
essence of black plum reduction sauce and blackberry jam with hints of anise, grass and oak. A relative
bruiser with the fruit still tightly compressed in the potent tannins. Still a Lolita. Much better the following day
from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Needs several more years in the cellar or decant if you must
drink now. Very good (-).
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2004 D’Argenzio Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
405 cases, $36.
·
Both wines
are well-crafted in a medium-bodied style with appealing varietal flavors and a
nice suppleness in the mouth.
Reviewed July 30, 2007
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2004 D’Argenzio Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
460 cases, $36. This winery was started in 1997 by twin brothers,
Ricci and Ray D’Argenzio. Building on their family heritage of winemaking,
they have crafted small lots of Pinot Noir from the Russian
River Valley since their first release in 2000.
·
This Pinot has a bright nose of red fruits.
Richly oaked red fruits carry through to a lingering finish with moderate
fine tannins. A full-flavored style with generous oak features.
Reviewed January 22, 2007
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2004 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 558 cases, $52.
·
Moderate dark red rose color in the glass. Very bright and appealing perfume of
fresh crushed cherries, just picked berries with a complimentary hint of oak spice. Soft and silky on the palate
with a well-spiced light to medium weight core of Bing cherries highlighted by savory herbs. The structural
tannins are evident but not imposing and the bright acidity is uplifting. This wine is drinking beautifully now but
balance predicts another ten years ahead. Still fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked
bottle. Very good (+).
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2003 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 829 cases, $52.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the
glass with slight bricking of the rim. Fresh aromas of raspberries, rose
hips tea, fennel seed and even ripe melon. Medium-weight flavors of
dark raspberries and cherries with undertones of cola, Chinese 5-spice
and dark chocolate. Amazing mouth filling presence with mild fine-grain
tannin and remarkable length on the finish. This wine is perfect now, but should
have several years of life ahead.
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2002 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 826 cases, $58.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color with slight bricking of the rim in the glass. Still fresh on the nose with a
complex array of aromas including red fruits, spice, loam, old cask, and rose petal. Tasty core of dark cherry
and raspberry fruit with secondary characters of fruit leather, tobacco and tea leaves. Still plenty of pleasing
fruit on board with mild tannins and an appealing softness in the mouth. A charming wine with a lovely patina
that has probably peaked, but will last another five years. Very good.
Reviewed March 21, 2012
WINERY »
ARTICLE »
2010 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 371 cases, $48. Released April 2012. After a cold soak, the grapes were inoculated with proprietary yeast, racked into French oak barrels, and aged for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely mix of fresh, vivid aromas of red cherries, red strawberries, savory herbs and sandalwood. Delicious essence of ripe red cherries and berries with a delightful earthy, savory bent. Well-composed with gossamer tannins and some length on the high-spirited, refreshing finish. Very good (+). Reviewed July 23, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2009 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
825 cases, $45. 1-year of bottle age. Release April 1, 2013. · Moderate reddish-purple color and clear in the glass. Very European in style with a savory nose of leaf, herbs, cherries and strawberries. Deep, lip-smacking cherry flavor with a spicy undertone. Impeccable balance and appealing elegance. This is a show-stopper from a superb vintage. Very good. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 290 cases, $48. Released May 2011. From the Amador Family who have been ranching in Sonoma County for generations. Young Trini Amador, IV, began making wine at age 15 in his family garage, and went on to earn a degree in enology and viticulture. Winemaking was traditional with aging in French oak barrels for 11 months. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of red cherries and strawberries backed by complimentary oak. A lighter, elegant offering centered on cherry flavor with accents of cola, sassafras, vanilla, spice and herbs. Picks up interest over time in the glass becoming more vivid and praiseworthy. Gentle and easy to drink. Source: website. Very good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2009 Gracianna Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 290 cases, $48. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months. Vinified by Trini Amador. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very attractive aromatic profile featuring scents of dark red cherries and berries, herbs, grass, tea leaf and the slightest hint of barnyard. Ephemeral in the mouth with tasty herb-imbued flavors of dark red pie cherries with a sidecar of complimentary oak. Soft and smooth on the palate with a good spark of acidity adding vivaciousness, and ending with a very memorable and long, cherry-driven finish. Very good (+). Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2009 Arista Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.82, TA .52, 106 cases, $58. Released spring 2011. Plantings date from the early 1960s with cuttings from Carl Wente in the Livermore Valley. 2 tons of old Wente Selection and 2 tons of Pommard clone Pinot Noir. Aged in 17% new, 33% 1-year-old, and 50% 2-3-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Haunting aromas of cherry pie filling, damp earth and stem. As typical with this vineyard, the cherry fruit has a mild herbal, tar and tobacco riff. Soft and elegant in the mouth with fine-grain powdery tannins. A unique expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Good (+). Reviewed August 13, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2009 Arista Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.82, TA 0.52, 106 cases, $58. Combination of old Wente Selection and Pommard clone. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of dark red pie cherries, fennel and Italian seasoning. Very savory on the palate with a medium weight core of ripe Bing cherries, cola and Chinese 5-spice flavors wrapped in soft tannins. Picks up interest and intensity over time in the glass. The velvety texture is very seductive. Very good. Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2008 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 590 cases, $45. Wente and Pommard clones. 3 tons fermented whole cluster, 11 tons crushed. 7-day cold soak, inoculated for malolactic. · Moderate dark red rose color in the glass. Invigorating aromas of perfectly ripe red cherries and red berries, nicely spiced, and complimented by a hint of oak. Very approachable now with a middleweight core of Bing cherry, baking spice, cola and sandalwood flavors. A hint of savory herbs adds interest. Soft in the mouth with moderate tannins and refreshing acidity. This wine is the most fruit-forward of the vintages at this early stage. Very good (+). Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2008 Arista Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $56. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Demure aromas of spiced Bing cherries picking up more of a savory, leafy bent in the glass over time. Discreet array of medium-weighted dark red Pinot fruit flavors with notes of herbs and mushroom. A relatively simple wine now with impeccably balanced tannins and acidity that is youthful, and will benefit from more development in the bottle. Good. Reviewed November 24, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2008 Rudd Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.6% alc., $75. This Oakville Estate winery is the only winery to produce a wine from the original 65-year-old Paris Tasting Block at Bacigalupi Vineyard. It is the only Rudd wine made from purchased fruit. This release is the ninth vintage. Each year the fruit production of this vineyard decreases due to the age of the vines. Barrel-fermented with 100% MLF. · Light straw color with mild haze (unfiltered). Invigorating aromas of lemon curd, baked pear, oak, and a hint of butter and grapefruit. Delicious flavors of white peach, pear, and complimentary toasty oak with an undertone of minerality and a riff of lemon on the lengthy finish. The creamy texture adds appeal. A spectacular offering made from vines of great historical significance that will please any Chardonnay connoisseur. Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2007 Macrae Family Vineyards Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $30. Winemaker Kerry Damskey. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Lovely, complex nose offering aromas of black cherries, mixed berries, rose petals and newly sawn wood. Lighter weighted, crisp and juicy, with ripe stone fruit flavors and a hint of grapefruit peel in the background. Good (+). (Note: check with winery on availability as this was obtained from Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa and is not offered on the winery’s website). Reviewed March 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2007 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Clonal Selection Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 364 cases, $45. Pommard clone from Frost Ranch. · Medium dark orange-red color in the glass. Very fruity aromatics offering scents of fresh berry tart, black cherries and sandalwood. Moderately forceful and assertive with noticeable tannin, offering flavors of plum reduction sauce, ripe strawberries and black raspberries, grilled beef and spice. Fine now, but could use more time in bottle for optimum enjoyment. Very good. Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2007 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Wente Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 418 cases, $45. 100% old Wente selection from Bacigalupi Vineyard at Goddard Ranch. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of dark cherry and berry mash with a hint of rose petal. Vibrant fruit on the mid palate with intense flavors of black cherries, dark berries and cassis, carrying over on the richly endowed and persistent finish. This wine really attracts your attention, offering and retracting numerous fruit and savory flavors over time in the glass. Well structured with moderate tannins, without the power and concentration of the 2005 bottling, but offering more appealing charm and complexity. Will easily last another 10 years. Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2007 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Wente Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 418 cases, $45. · Medium reddish-purple hue and clear in the glass. Aromas of very ripe black cherries and berries with a floral accent. Intense flavors of black cherries, black currant and cassis with ripe, full tannins and a savory note in the background. From a bottle opened one day prior. Good. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2006 Chronicle Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel
14.5% alc., 165 cases, $36. · Lovely nose of fresh black cherries and berries with hints of pepper and oak char. Plenty of sweet fruit with herbal oak in the background. Very smooth and suave with generous fine-grained tannins and a tangy lift to the finish. Lighter in weight than the Old Vines bottling and more appealing to me. Ageworthy. Very good. Reviewed December 16, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2006 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
689 cases, $48. Not tasted. · Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2005 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 675 cases, $50. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued aromas of darker berries and underbrush. Delicious essence of black plum reduction sauce and blackberry jam with hints of anise, grass and oak. A relative bruiser with the fruit still tightly compressed in the potent tannins. Still a Lolita. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Needs several more years in the cellar or decant if you must drink now. Very good (-). Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2004 D’Argenzio Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
405 cases, $36. · Both wines are well-crafted in a medium-bodied style with appealing varietal flavors and a nice suppleness in the mouth. Reviewed July 30, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2004 D’Argenzio Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
460 cases, $36. This winery was started in 1997 by twin brothers, Ricci and Ray D’Argenzio. Building on their family heritage of winemaking, they have crafted small lots of Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley since their first release in 2000. · This Pinot has a bright nose of red fruits. Richly oaked red fruits carry through to a lingering finish with moderate fine tannins. A full-flavored style with generous oak features. Reviewed January 22, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2004 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 558 cases, $52. · Moderate dark red rose color in the glass. Very bright and appealing perfume of fresh crushed cherries, just picked berries with a complimentary hint of oak spice. Soft and silky on the palate with a well-spiced light to medium weight core of Bing cherries highlighted by savory herbs. The structural tannins are evident but not imposing and the bright acidity is uplifting. This wine is drinking beautifully now but balance predicts another ten years ahead. Still fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good (+). Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2003 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 829 cases, $52. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass with slight bricking of the rim. Fresh aromas of raspberries, rose hips tea, fennel seed and even ripe melon. Medium-weight flavors of dark raspberries and cherries with undertones of cola, Chinese 5-spice and dark chocolate. Amazing mouth filling presence with mild fine-grain tannin and remarkable length on the finish. This wine is perfect now, but should have several years of life ahead. Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
2002 John Tyler Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 826 cases, $58. · Moderately light reddish-purple color with slight bricking of the rim in the glass. Still fresh on the nose with a complex array of aromas including red fruits, spice, loam, old cask, and rose petal. Tasty core of dark cherry and raspberry fruit with secondary characters of fruit leather, tobacco and tea leaves. Still plenty of pleasing fruit on board with mild tannins and an appealing softness in the mouth. A charming wine with a lovely patina that has probably peaked, but will last another five years. Very good. Reviewed March 21, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »
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