Kutch McDougall Ranch Pinot Noir 2006

Wanted to like this more than I did. Pretty ripe. Darker cherry fruit on the nose and palate. I know Kutch changed styles in 2007 (or 2008?) so perhaps I should give them another go but they do cost quite a bit.

Inman Family Thorn Road Ranch Pinot Noir 2006

I thought this was pretty good. Also on closeout. MAJ thought it wasn't as complex as a Rivers Marie and I'd agree. Still enjoyed it though.

Inman Family Russian River Family Pinot Noir 2006

Very good pinot for the price. Got on closeout. Served at our housewarming and had a bottle left.

Rivers Marie Occidental Ridge Pinot Noir 2006

last bottle; nose of tart red cherry and some of that telltale rm grapefruit/citrus; heavier and a bit of oak on the mid palate; juicy finish

Rivers Marie Occidental Ridge Pinot Noir 2007

McHenry Estate Pinot Noir 2005

Enjoyed in SF

Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006

dark cherry nose but still with some heat, almost caramely? baking flavors; very rich palate, almost creamy, some oak for sure; better on its own than with food; MAJ likes it; weird buttery nose for a red

Belle Pente Murto Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006

pretty muted nose; fruity, dark cherry palate; long finish; light overall

Pyramid Valley Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006

Had this once before. It was better last time unfortunately but still pretty good. Nose: initially some rubber or chemical notes, but after an hour decant, dark cherries, almost Cali pinot like nose, some heat, some floral notes but sweet, some earth too. Palate: very smooth, a trace of heat, dark fruit. Finish: pretty smooth, the acidity has dropped from the last time I had this about a year ago.

Kutch McDougall Ranch Pinot Noir 2006

My first Kutch. Nose: rose, some dark cherry, baking spices. Palate: pretty rich, lots of fruit. Finish: not too hot but also not a lot of acidity. Really enjoyed it.

Loring Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch 2008

Second bottle from the Loring sampler. I thought this was pretty good. Black fruit on the nose and the palate. Not too oaky. Needed some more acidity because it came off a bit heavy. I think I actually preferred the 2008 Loring Aubaine we had a few months ago.

Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue 2008

First 2008 Oregon pinot. A much heralded vintage. This wine was pretty good but very young. Red fruits (as opposed to dark) on the nose and the palate. Not too ripe, at least compared to the Cali pinots we usually drink. Decent acidity, but I would've preferred a bit more. For the price this is decent but I'm not running out to get more. Perhaps this will be better in a few years.

Belle Pente Yamhill Carlton Pinot Noir 2007 (May 2010)

In DC. Dark cherry nose and a bit of heat; light mid palate though with some oak; tart/sour cherry/fruit on the palate. Much better than I expected given the critics' general thoughts about 07 Oregon pinot.

UPDATE: On Day 2, Mrs. Wino says the tannins have smoothed out and the wine is silkier. The heat on the nose is not as prevalent. Better on Day 2.

Thomas Pinot 2006 (April 2010)

In DC.

Arcadian Fiddlestix 2006 Pinot Noir, Chateau Lascombes 2004, Dom Perignon 2002 (December 2009)

At Parents' house.

Rivers Marie Occidental Ridge Pinot Noir 2006 (April 2009)

At Palate.

Belle Pente Yamhill Carlton Pinot Noir 2006 (August 2008)

At Tides Inn, Lost Coast, CA.

Peay Scallop Shelf Pinot Noir 2006 (August 2008)

Had this at PassionFish, Monterey, CA.