Jan 202014
 
2011 Kutch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA, $43 – Rating 91

Meticulous winemaking is Jamie Kutch’s hallmark.  25% whole clusters, 7-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, resting 10 months sur lie in a combination of 70%/30% new/used oak barrels. Enticing aromas of dark cherry pie with notes of leather and cinnamon spice. Mouthwatering acidity with deep flavors of dark cherry, dark chocolate, cinnamon and baking spice with hints of briar. Dark chocolate on the long finish. Buy This Wine

Jan 142014
 
2011 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

Hard to believe this is the initial winemaking effort from this renown vineyard used by many respected Pinot producers. Aromas of blueberry with hints of cinnamon and earthiness. Rich flavors red cherry, ripe strawberry and blueberry with subtle notes of terroir, brown and cinnamon spice. Soft on the palate with balanced acidity.  A touch of leather and espresso in the finish. Buy This Wine

Jan 142014
 
2012 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 94

A very complex Pinot Noir that held my attention. A deeply rich nose of blueberry, blackberry and campfire smoke. A lush mouth-feel with food-pairing acidity (I preferred to contemplate it on its own). Developed flavors of black cherry and blueberry with a touch of earthiness. Notes of ripe raspberry and cola in the long finish. Very small production at a good price. Buy this Wine while you can.

Jan 022014
 
2012 Bucher Vineyard Three Sixty Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $50 (S), Rating – 93

A wonderful Pinot that is drinking well upon release with a short decant, only to get even better with time. A lush nose of dark cherry with hints of cinnamon and allspice. Created with Siduri winemaker Adam Lee, the wine has a round mouth-feel while retaining it’s juicy acidity. Bright fruit flavor with integrated notes of cherry, strawberry and raspberry with definite minerality and brown spice. The flavors remain vibrant in the very long finish. Buy This Wine