Monday, March 3, 2025

ROCO Marsh Estate Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir, 2010

The Yamhill-Carlton AVA is a good one, home to some of my favorite estates such as Willakenzie and Elk  Cove. Marsh Estate Vineyard is located on a lower slope near the Dundee hills.

Light in color, light in body, big in flavor--that defines good Pinot Noir, and this is a good one. Pretty floral scents, "hauntingly bittersweet" according to rhe Wine Advocate review. On the palate, I get tangy red berries, anise, black pepper and lime zest. Fine grained tannins and  a long, satisfying finish. A good match for Atlantic salmon.
 

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Arnaud Lambert Breze Clos du Midi Saumur, 2018

With aeration and vigorous swirling in the glass, this opened up, giving great Chenin Blanc richness and concentration.

Medium deep gold. Rich Chenin Blanc bouquet: ripe pears, apricots, wild flowers and a bit of honey. Easy going on entry, then gets richer, more complex and more concentrated as it travels down the palate. Lots of pleasure now, and I am sure it will get even better for those who have the patience and the time to wait.