Medlock Ames, Bell Mountain Pinot Noir, Alexander Valley

Our experience is very much as described by I Like This Wine. Opened at cellar temps and immediately enjoyed, it had an enchanting perfume and was very enjoyable with aged cheese, sausage and crackers.

A typical medium ruby in the glass, thinning to clear, non-tawny edges, this debut Pinot Noir from Medlock Ames had an enchanting nose of candied cherries, baking spices and vanilla. Broad and generous on the palate, but not cloyingly sweet, this was drinking really superb with a lengthy delicious finish. I would say this is at or just a shade beyond peak, which frankly surprises me. We still have a few more.

Drank over a 2 hour period, then the last 1/3 on day 2. Drinking well now, 1-3 years will improve. First Pinot from this property shows potential. Fruit is not explosive, rather well put together and restrained in a good way. Fruit lingers on the palate and builds and builds toward the finish. Almost a melted chocolate sensation just like the 2004 Merlot I drank two nights later. Hint of banana oak which I got on an early bottle of …

Note basically as before, though this bottle seemed a little simpler than the last. It grew in body in the glass, but the previous baking spices did not seem to be on display in this bottle.

An amazing effort for this sustainably-farmed winery's very first pinot noir! Using Russian River Valley grapes, this inaugural release is a light cinnamon-plum in color, if that makes any sense. The nose features cherry with baking spices, oak and a dash of smoke. Entering gingerly on your palate, this builds in intensity significantly through the mid-palate and on through to the finish. This is the real surprise, and the finish is on the order of 30 seconds. This is straight …