Advanced Tasting Panel

Inviting fellow winemakers to taste through one another's wines is a great experience. Having four tongues is better than one. Tom, Bryan, and I got together with our friend, Ken, to taste how the wines are progressing. I was able to get feedback that might inform future winemaking decisions.

Here are some pictures of Tom taking the wine from a barrel (left), Ken and Tom sipping Syrah (center), and my wine notes (right)

Overall, I was happy with how each wine is evolving. Shortly after being put in barrel, I was pleasantly surprised with how mature the wines tasted. The flavors continue to evolve and the oak is integrating nicely with the wine. Here are my detailed notes describing the color, nose, and taste of each wine.

2002 Pinot Noir- Dutton Ranch (Russian River)
Color	Gorgeous and dark, almost looks like a Zinfandel. Already very clear--not hazy.
Nose	New Vernou CH barrel is not overpowering at at all. Compliments it well. Hope the nose will evolve to kirsch, alpine strawberry.
Taste	Dark, earth tones from the Pommard clone. As Tom said, it has a "bruiting ripeness". New barrel provides nice mid- palate. Slight astringency in the finish.
Happy with winemaking decisions (cold soak and color extraction, oaking strategy, and acid level). Looking forward to more hints of oak and the nose to evolve.

2002 Zinfandel- Teldeschi Vineyard (Dry Creek Valley)
Color	Darker than last year's.
Nose	Hints of perfume. Great nose.
Taste	Blackberry and boysenberry with hints of pepper and spice. Vernou barrel complements this Zin well.
Exhibiting more tannins in the past. Wait for ML to finish. Like the Vernou Hybrids with this wine. Just let it sit in the barrel and it'll be a beauty.

2002 Syrah- York Vineyard (Amador County)
Color	Incredibly dark but not as dark as Tom's; inky black
Nose	Nutmeg is from barrel, not ML.
Taste	Nice solid Syrah with great flavor profile. The 1 yr. old Vernou is aggressive.
Needs barrel age; may shift barrels. Finished with ML. This vineyard has potential. Could benefit from extended maceration.