2014 Domaine Georges Mugneret/Mugneret-Gibourg Bourgogne - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne (9/14/2017)
Served blind in a flight of four Pinot Noir-based wines, this was darker in fruit profile than my prior bottle 5 months ago. It showed more depth, and overall more potential for a medium to longer term future. There was positive evolution over the three hours the bottle was open (it was not decanted), and it showed some earthy/spicy depth (and some solid structure) after significant air time. Excellent showing for a perennially excellent wine.
2014 Failla Pinot Noir Placida - USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley of Russian River Valley (9/14/2017)
Served blind in a flight of four Pinot Noir-based wines, this was the fruit bomb of the group, showing lots of bright, nearly candied red cherry fruit, and that cherry cola element as well. The overtly fruity element calmed down with some air time, but it was still rather one note.
2014 Littorai Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (9/14/2017)
Served blind in a flight of four Pinot Noir-based wines, this was the group favorite. It managed to blend a level of exuberance with some moderate structure, and floral and earthy tones to go along with the fruit. Complex and captivating, even as a young wine, this was the first bottle drained.
2014 Rhys Pinot Noir Swan Terrace Alpine Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (9/14/2017)
Served blind in a flight of four Pinot Noir-based wines, this was the most inscrutable. Darkest in color, darkest in fruit profile, there was lots of stuffing but nothing distinctive to grab onto, not even structure. It seemed as if the idea was to be the most impressive, rather than the most delicious. I know this was much too early, but it did not even unfold over three hours. It just sat there, like the monolith in 2001. I really wonder where this will end up going.