2007 Pinot Noir Thieriot Vineyard

Even better is the 2007 Pinot Noir Thieriot Vineyard. It exhibits a DRC-like bouquet of forest floor, blueberries, black raspberries, earth and spice. In addition to the Swan and Pommard selections, it is composed of Dijon clones 114, and 117 as well as the Calera clone, which was reputedly sourced from Burgundy’s most famous vineyard. This full-bodied, complex, intense Pinot should be drunk over the next 7-10 years. Winemaker/proprietor Ted Lemon has one of the most impressive resumes in California having produced Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in that state as well as previously working in Burgundy. His wines consistently represent the best of California’s ripeness combined with Burgundy’s finesse and elegance. His Chardonnay vineyards are all planted in cool micro-climates and his wines are all beautifully made, crisp, elegant, flavorful whites. Moreover, in 2008, Lemon had serious frost issues with nearly one-third of his crop wiped out at Thieriot. Even more extensive damage occurred at the Haven Vineyard. The cool 2009 growing season certainly favored all the Burgundian varietals which was evidenced by what Ted Lemon has achieved with his stylish, elegant 2009 Pinot Noirs. Tel. (707) 823-9586; Fax (707) 823-9589

Dullish medium red. Subdued aromas of strawberry, raspberry, orange peel and pepper. Currently spices dominate fruit on the palate, where the wine could use a bit more lift and seems youthfully stunted. Just a tad dry on the back. Doesn�t quite come alive today. These wines had only been bottled in February, so it�s possible this one is shocked today.