Drew Family Cellars Pinot Noir Wendling Vineyard

Lysere rubinrød med oransje kant. Lukter medisinskap, rødbær, noe stall, litt parfyme, mørke bær, krydder, ren kjølig frukt. Alle rundt bordet gjettet 2016 eller 2017 Gevrey Chambertain på 1er-nivå. Ikke mye som minner om USA her :) 92

Still too early in March 2023. Tight, austere, ungiving on pop and pour. All signs point to excellence down the road, but it's too much to work to enjoy at the moment. (Hopefully it will loosen up a bit over next day or so.)

2.5 years after the prior: This remains quite primary, but hey, it’s also just so beautifully balanced, savory, and vibrant. Pleasant suggestions of saline. Highly enjoyable over three nights.

I finished this bottle on back-to-back nights/dinners (1/2 down to 1/2 done). On the first, the wine showed, as expected, somewhat tight (particularly on the nose) but with very vibrant black tea and spices on the complex finish. Over time I picked up mountain berries but not so much of the umami and savory components I often get in Drew's Pinots, which I love so much. By the 2nd day, the wine had really come into its own and showed …

I had tried to hide this from myself in my wine cooler but like a pig after a truffle I sniffed it out. This was delicious and delectable. Red and dark fruits, small berries and spice undertones. Pillowy soft after a red blend earlier in the evening. Inviting and elegant but high on the flavor meter. Damn, I wish I had another one of these. Missing it already.

Bright, balanced, vibrant. Deep dark fruit. Lovely acidity. Very enjoyable over three nights.