Review #39: post-Thanksgiving roundup

Kanonkop Estate Pinotage 2000
really outstanding -- what 10 or so years ago was a simple, fruit-forward wine became something dark, deep, and profound: black fruit, tar, exotic spices, cured meat. Pinotage has a bad reputation, but this one became something amazing. maybe only a little thin on the palate.

score: 94


Cristom Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard 1996
this one had plenty of life left in it -- I think the single-vineyards from Cristom (Marjorie and Louise) are as long-lived as anything from Oregon. Rich, plummy, and earthy, and all the tannins had gone to a velvety place.

score: 94


also:

Dios Baco "Baco de Elite" Amontillado
not super special, but really a nice wine for the price

Dolcetto d'Asti
is a nice wine with food -- the fruit-tart flavor holds up well

Review #32: Chehalem Oregon Pinot Noir Rion Reserve 1995, 13.9%abv

so-much for an off-year

just opened a bottle of 1995 Chehalem Rion Reserve, and it's great. 1995 was reputed as tough vintage in the Willamette Valley, but the quality producers with more aromatic, more Burgundian, less Parkerized wines did fine. (Bethel Heights comes to mind.) I used to have a half-case of this -- not so much anymore -- and it's showing way better than anytime that I can remember. It's really started to open up, and still has enough fruity acidity for a few more years. So clearly the lessons are: the 95's can be great, and it's ok to start opening them now. (admittedly, I'm probably the only one with bottles left. but it was worth it! it's much more aromatic than it's ever been before.)

notes: loads of every kind of red and black fruit, brambles and herbs, exotic woods, and touches of steel wool and bacon

score: 95