- 2004 Sean Thackrey Orion Rossi Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (6/10/2013)
Dark and inky. Still looks fresh. When great, this wine can be one of my very favorites but they can be variable. This was my first time trying the 2004 and it was impressive. Seemingly just starting to change. Clean aromas of berries and briar. Nice spice as well. Slight smell of VA. This looks so dark but it is actually more red fruited. This nears the edge of ripeness but just stays in check. I think this is doing fine but seems like it is on the edge of evolving into a beauty or heading down a road of imbalance and VA. I am hopeful for the former and will let my other bottle sleep. (92 pts.)
The image is from the wrong vintage.
On To Some Discoveries
This year I have made it to Oregon 3 times and they have been some of my favorite wine trips ever. Having the 2010 and 2011 vintages around didn't hurt. I tried wines from Helioterra and Division while visiting the SE Wine Collective but this was the first time I really got to "try" them. 2010 seems to be shaping up a wonderful vintage. I was gaga over the 11s when first tasted but now I am enjoying the slightly more flashy 2010s. I look forward seeing how Helioterra and Division did with the 11s. This Division was at 12.1%. - 2010 Helioterra Pinot Noir Vintner's Select - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (6/5/2013)
Tremendous aromatics. Clean fruit and earth all in one. The palate shows great red fruit, medium acid and light tannin. Lightly extracted and earthy. Not sure where the fruit is from. Seems to be getting into the zone right now. I am sure it will age fine but it seems with a little air, the drinking window is open so why not take it down. (92 pts.) - 2010 Division Winemaking Company Pinot Noir Un - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (5/30/2013)
Give me this any day of the week. Terrific aromatics. Great mouthfeel. Noticeable tannin and acid create wonderful balance in this anti-fruitbomb. Red fruits and spice are what I am loving about this wine. I like where this is at right now. Seems like it should be in the zone for a few years. Next onto the Deux. (92 pts.)
Cheers,
Jason
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