Moderators: Jenise, Robin Garr, David M. Bueker
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
James Dietz wrote:What do you think is the problem? My impression has always been that SI wines had long lives. Not so?
David M. Bueker wrote:On what basis of evidence did we ever decide that St. Innocent (or really any Oregon Pinot save a select few) made long aging wines? I know that it has been received wisdom for quite a while, but what data led to it?
Faced with a large number of St. I bottles from 2003-2008 (very few being the special selection bottles), I would love to know if there is any real reason to hold them.
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
David M. Bueker wrote:On what basis of evidence did we ever decide that St. Innocent (or really any Oregon Pinot save a select few) made long aging wines? I know that it has been received wisdom for quite a while, but what data led to it?
FLDG Dishwasher
33907
Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:45 pm
The Pacific Northest Westest
James Dietz wrote:David M. Bueker wrote:On what basis of evidence did we ever decide that St. Innocent (or really any Oregon Pinot save a select few) made long aging wines? I know that it has been received wisdom for quite a while, but what data led to it?
Faced with a large number of St. I bottles from 2003-2008 (very few being the special selection bottles), I would love to know if there is any real reason to hold them.
I agree it may be urban legend. But I had heard about Eyrie being one, and an amigo (Jason Hagen) I thought thought that SI was another. Maybe he or an OR expert will chime in.
Joy Lindholm wrote:I can't speak to a lot of older Oregon Pinots, but while in Willamette Valley last November, we had a 1994 Van Duzer Pinot Noir at the Joel Palmer House that was lovely and still lively. It reminded me of drinking a Burgundy with 10 or so years on it, but with a bit more fruit still.
David M. Bueker wrote:Reading this thread, especially Jason's contribution, I just get more and more depressed about even being on the St. I list as long as I was. I joined because I had tried a few mid-late 90s wines that I really liked, and there was a bit of a buzz. Pretty much everything I still have is 2003-2008, and lately every time I open a bottle (except for the very few Special Selection bottles I have had) I rue the purchases more and more. Occasionally there is a good wine, but no stars, and I could do better with so many other producers. Sigh.
David M. Bueker wrote:Reading this thread, especially Jason's contribution, I just get more and more depressed about even being on the St. I list as long as I was. I joined because I had tried a few mid-late 90s wines that I really liked, and there was a bit of a buzz. Pretty much everything I still have is 2003-2008, and lately every time I open a bottle (except for the very few Special Selection bottles I have had) I rue the purchases more and more. Occasionally there is a good wine, but no stars, and I could do better with so many other producers. Sigh.
Hoke wrote:Joy Lindholm wrote:I can't speak to a lot of older Oregon Pinots, but while in Willamette Valley last November, we had a 1994 Van Duzer Pinot Noir at the Joel Palmer House that was lovely and still lively. It reminded me of drinking a Burgundy with 10 or so years on it, but with a bit more fruit still.
Joy, some of the older Van Duzer bottlings reminded me very much of Pommard: not particularly elegant when young, kind of stubborn and dumb initially, but sturdy as hell; with age, though, they actually did 'juice up' a bit, lose the whang leather toughness and gain a lovely brown-edged softness and soft cherry fruit.
Again, much like a Pommard to me.
Hoke wrote:Interesting, David. I live here in the Valley now and have the great fortune of tasting through the SI lineup (usually in the presence of the winemaker, a man I respect immensely) as they are released. In addition, I frequently am able to select the Shea or the blend (often in half bottles, from many restaurant lists around town. While I'm not in a position to taste the older bottlings on a regular basis, and thus am at somewhat of disadvantage, I haven't lost any of my desire of and appreciation for what SI is doing these days.
Joy Lindholm wrote:Hoke wrote:Interesting, David. I live here in the Valley now and have the great fortune of tasting through the SI lineup (usually in the presence of the winemaker, a man I respect immensely) as they are released. In addition, I frequently am able to select the Shea or the blend (often in half bottles, from many restaurant lists around town. While I'm not in a position to taste the older bottlings on a regular basis, and thus am at somewhat of disadvantage, I haven't lost any of my desire of and appreciation for what SI is doing these days.
Speaking of the Shea Vineyard wines - am I the only one who thinks that Shea Vineyard Pinot Noirs are somewhat over-rated? I get the exclusivity, but as far as quality goes, when tasted against other single vineyard Pinots from the Willamette by the same winemakers, I think the Shea is a bit lacking in luster - especially for the price. I found this true with St. Innocent and Bergstrom's versions most profoundly.
Hoke wrote:So, Shea over-rated? I wouldn't say that. I'd say that it sits quite firmly at the simpler, more wholesome and fruit-forward edge of the curve of Valley Pinots.
Hoke wrote:My favorite of the SI is the Momtazi, which is simply amazing; intricate, multi-faceted, spicy as hell, and slow to come around. Can be stubborn and unyielding in its youth, but at maturity it is magnificent, like a Corton can be (but more like Corton with a surreptitious dollop of Hermitage in it, heh heh).
Agreed! Which is why that is the SI we chose for our wine list (in a 375ml). The funny thing is, I like SI's Momtazi way more than I like anything Maysara puts out, although I accredit that to a very young winemaker (she just turned 30). I'm guessing their wines will improve and show the beauty of the Momtazi vineyard as she gets a few more vintages under her belt.
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