2004 Aubert Reuling Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

15.6% alc.. Mark’s notes on the vintage: “The old world Pinot Noir selections survived the September heat nicely. The grapes were vatted for nearly 30 days and then aged in new French oak for 14 months. This cuvee has a real intensity of power in and across the palate.” Parker has called his wines “packed and stacked,” and he’s got that right. · This is an excellent example of the California fruit-forward style. The fruit here, however, is ripe, not over-ripe, in other words, it is concentrated Pinot extract rather than super-ripe juice. One taster likened this wine to a “purple velvet pillow.” A very plush and profound wine that is fat in the mouth. Noticeable oak but in a good way. The alcohol peaks out slightly. Great with the duck. Reviewed February 12, 2007

Winery: Aubert Wines
From article: Aubert Wine Dinner