2007 Paradise Ridge Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.7% alc., 700 cases, $27. 2 vineyards, 5 clones.
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Shy fruit overshadowed by scents of toasted oak and roasted nuts. Oak-tinged Bing cherry and strawberry
tastes. Light and simple with generous oak. I preferred the 2006 version of this wine. Decent.
2007 Fog Crest Vineyard Laguna West Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $32. Crafted by noted winemakers David Ramey and Daniel
Moore. Sourced from a single neighboring vineyard.
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Mineral-infused cherry and
berry aromas with a little funk, forest floor, truffle and oak toast. Strawberry and
cherry flavors with a little tutti-fruiti thrown in for interest. Lighter weighted with
mild tannins and hi-tone acidity. A back porch Pinot with no pretensions.
Decent (+).
2007 Ketcham Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc.,pH 3.65, 760 cases, $32. Winemaker is
Michael Browne. 80% Ketcham Vineyard, 20% O’Neel Vineyard, Nonella Vineyard and Manzana Vineyard.
Pommard, Dijon 777, 667, 115 and 828 clones. Aged 16 months in French oak.
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Aromas of cherry cola,
lavender and wood chips. Moderately rich black cherry, black currant fruits with an earthy, spicy underpinning.
Smooth in the mouth with a short, but pleasing finish. Decent (+).
2007 Ketcham Estate Ketcham Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 420 cases, $41. A reserve wine that is 100% Ketcham Estate
Vineyard fruit. Sourced from a 16-acre vineyard with a broad selection of clones.
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Restrained aromas of dark red cherries and berries with a complimentary hint of
spice. Very tasty essence of dark cherries and plums with admirable
persistence. Silky smooth with supple tannins. Still a little closed, but offers
considerable upside potential. More sophistication and plushness than the
regular bottling. Very good.
2006 Baton Laguna Ridge Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., $35.
Project of Bill Vyenielo, who as General Manager, helped develop Peter Michael
Winery into the respected position it is today. Jeff Pisoni is the winemaker.
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Moderately light in color. Delicate aromas of ripe black cherries and oak. Rich
flavors of black cherries and dark berries with a hint of cola and oak. Smoothly
textured with well-proportioned dry tannins and some interest and persistence on
the fruit-driven finish. A solid, well-priced wine. Very good.
