Talisman Wines: An In-Depth Tasting of 2014 Vintage & Older Vintage Pinot Noir

2014 Talisman Gunsalus Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 392 cases, $54. Vineyard farmed by retired research scientists Glen and Pamela Gunsalus. Vineyard was planted in 2001 in the Goldridge soils of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Clones 114, 115, 667 and 777. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 44% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, savory herbs and spice. Deep cherry flavor with a savory herbs note in the background. Middleweight styled, with modest tannins, a bit of spice accent, welcome touch of oak, a soft texture and some finish. The slightest hint of alcoholic warmth is evident. Score: 90-91

2014 Talisman Gunsalus Vineyard Dijon Clone 114 - Méthode Ancienne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 46 cases, $75. Dijon clone 114, 100% whole cluster fermented. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass (slightly darker than the regular Gunsalus bottling). Inviting blend of dark muddled cherry fruit and savory notes of stem and mulch. Definitely different than the regular Gunsalus bottling, with a little deeper black cherry flavor, more mid palate presence, more lifted fruit, a little more structured backbone and more finish. Score: 91-92

2014 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 366 cases. This vineyard is located above Bennett Valley on the northwestern side of Sonoma Mountain. A low yielding site exposed to the full brunt of cold air flowing off the Pacific Ocean. 800 feet elevation, planted in 2000 in loamy clay. Clones 115, 777 and Pommard 5. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Teasing aromas of black cherry and blueberry fruit with integrated oak, timber and spice notes. The lovely core of dark fruits including very ripe cherry and raspberry are accented with hints of clove and other warm spices that alert the senses. The suede tannins and plenty of finishing power leave an impression. Score: 92-93

2014 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Honey’s Cuvée Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 46 cases. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Clones 115 and 777, 100% whole cluster fermented - méthode ancienne. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. More primary than the regular Red Dog bottling, but with deeper flavored darker fruits, a silky mouthfeel, and a delightful dark berry infused finish. A bit more rustic and savory at this stage, and more tannin, but with a generous finish. The wine needs considerable foreplay as reflected in the vivid fruit flavors assuming considerably more intensity over time in the glass. Best to cellar a few years. Score: 93-94

2014 Talisman Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 241 cases, $65. This vineyard has the coldest nighttime temperature of all vineyards Talisman works with. Gravelly, well-drained loamy clay soils. 1,000 foot elevation. Clones 2A, Pommard, Romanée-Conti and Rochioli selections. Aged 21 months in French Oak barrels, 60% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of black cherry and blueberry lead to a mid weight styled wine with a core of sweet and juicy dark red and blue fruits accompanied by a thread of herbal oak. Quite suave in the mouth with a glorious finish. Score: 92-93

2014 Talisman Weir Vineyard Méthode Ancienne Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 47 cases, $85. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Sensual aromas of lurking dark red fruits. The bright and seductive dark red cherry core is underlain with a firm but not intrusive tannic backbone. The whole cluster seems to fill out this wine with goodness. There are accents of exotic spices, pine sap and burnt tobacco contributed by the whole cluster. The finish seems to go on and on. Hard to resist now, but this beauty will benefit from more time in the cellar as it is built for aging. Score: 93-94

2014 Talisman Adastra Vineyard Los Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 291 cases. This vineyard is organically farmed and certified CCOF by owner Chris Thorpe and son-in-law Edwin Richards. Talisman is the only winery to source fruit from this vineyard. Planted in clay loam soils in 1994 to 113, 115, 777, Pommard, 2A, and two unnamed suitcase selections. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 67% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Scents of spiced dark berry, fertile earth, rose petal and pine lead off. A husky, full-bodied style with concentrated flavors of earthy blackberry, yet not jammy with added notes of dark chocolate and floral goodness. Bold, yet juicy with an intensely black raspberry fruited finish. Score: 92-93

2014 Talisman Adastra Vineyard Méthode Ancienne Los Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 46 cases. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very ripely fruited impression on the nose and palate. Mid weight plus in style, with bright dark fruit flavors engaged with an exotic spice and floral note. Noticeable tannins, inviting oak integration, and an amazing finish that lingers with black cherry and black raspberry goodness. Score: 92-93

2014 Talisman Jamison Valley Vineyard Destein Estate Bennett Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 59 cases, $55. This vineyard receives the brunt of cool air thru the Petaluma Gap. Planted in 1996 at an elevation of 565-625 feet in gravelly, volcanic mudflow. Clone 777. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Embracing aromas of red cherry, dark cranberry, spice and floral bouquet. Plush on the palate, yet lifted with juicy acidity. Forward flavors of cherry and red berry with a spice back note and a refreshing finish. Still lovely when tasted four days after opening. Score: 92-93

2014 Talisman Sadie’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 342 cases, $45. Vineyard is located along Bodega Highway west of Sebastopol. Planted in 2009 in Goldridge sand loam soil. Pommard and Dijon 115. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, sage, warm spices and sous-bois. Mid weight flavors of red cherry and berry with a vegetal thread in the background. Bright acidity and balanced tannins with some persistence on the dried cherry fused finish. Score: 90-91

2014 Talisman Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 140 cases. Vineyard is located on the southern flank of Sonoma Mountain on the western edge of Sonoma Valley. Soils are volcanic - red, pebbly clay loam. Planted in 1998 at 750 feet elevation to clones 115, 777 and Pommard. Very cool site, exposed to foggy cold airflow from San Pablo Bay and the Petaluma Gap. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The noise is rather primary initially with delicate aromas of cherry, picking up intensity over time in the glass. The cherry essence is integrated with feral, game and floral notes making for an interesting drink. A little more tannin is evident in this wine. There is deft oak management and the finish has good persistence. Score: 92-93

2014 Talisman Huckleberry’s Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 140 cases. A 1-acre vineyard farmed by Bill and Lauren Hipp. Planted in 2004 at an elevation of 70 feet in Goldridge sandy loam soil. Clones 115, 667, 777 and ‘828.’ Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is engaging and special with aromas of cherry, exotic spices and underbrush. Light to mid weight in style, with well spiced cherry and blueberry flavors that are framed by quenching acidity. Well structured for aging. Score: 92-93

2014 Talisman Rancho Estrella Vineyard Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14,7% alc, 46 cases. Known as Star Ranch, this vineyard is located in a farming community in an obscure valley in Napa County. Planted in 2006 at 600 feet elevation in weathered thyolite soils. Clones are Pommard and Dijon ‘828.’ Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of redder fruits, earthy flora and green leaf. Light to mid weight in style, with flavors that echo the aromas. Dry, but not bitter tannins are quite noticeable. Score: 89-90

2014 Talisman Starscape Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 338 cases. Vineyard is located in the Middle Reach sub region of the Russian River Valley. Clones 777 and ‘828.’ Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Enticing scents of cherry, green tea, and floral blossoms. Noteworthy attack of mid weight black raspberry and black cherry flavors that really cling to the palate through the finish. Gentle tannins make for easy drinking. The most fruit forward wine in the lineup with the most striking finish replete with vivid fruit that hangs on for what seems like a minute. Score: 93-94

2011 Talisman Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of cherry, cranberry, and dried herbs in an elegantly styled and polished wine with a juicy, cherry-fueled finish. Drink now to 2022. Score: 91

2008 Talisman Huckleberry’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Exuberant aromas of blackberry, cola, rhubarb, prune, marzipan and spice. Flavors of black cherry and marzipan with melted tannins and a moderate finish. Drink up. Score: 89

2008 Talisman Adastra Vineyard Los Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir

Moderate garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of dark raspberry, black cherry, warm spices and marzipan. Flavors of black raspberry, tar and tobacco backed by residual tannins. Holding nicely and can be drunk now to 2022. Score: 92

2007 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Dijon Clones Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very vivid aromas of cherry, spice rhubarb and brioche. The core of oak-kissed cherry flavors is accented with baking spices. The tannins are refined and the finish is juicy. Holding nicely. Drink now to 2022. Score: 91

2007 Talisman Red Dog Vineyard Pommard Clone Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

Moderate garnet color in the glass. Moderate garnet color in the glass. Fresh aromas of Bing cherry, spice and woodshed. Vivid black cherry fruit is embellished with oak flavors of toast and tobacco. This wine leans too much on oak that will never integrate. Drink up. Score: 89

2005 Talisman Hawk Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. This wine has developed tertiary characters. Aromas of leather, potpourri, burnt tobacco and timber lead to faded fruit flavors with a bit of oak and olive flavor. The tannins are still notable but the wine is enjoyable. Drink up. Score: 92

2003 Talisman Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aged aromas of old leather and wood pile with dried fruit. More evident dried fruit on the palate with notes of brown spice and fruit leather. Still hanging in there but showing its age. Drink up. Score: 90

1996 Talisman Los Carneros Pinot Noir

Grapes sourced primarily from Truchard Vineyard. · Slight orange tinge in the glass. Aromas of orange peel, crusty bread and pickling spices. Still some black cherry fruit but it is dried out and fades rather quickly in the glass. The tannins have disappeared. Drink up.

1995 Talisman Los Carneros Pinot Noir

Grapes sourced from Madonna Vineyard and Mueller-Mckenzie Vineyard. · Yellow-brown caste in the glass. Aromas of marzipan and eucalyptus. Faded fruit trying to give its best, with a spice and leather accent, finishing with some grip. Drink up.