91 2003 Gary Farrell RRV Pinot Noir 3/15/06 ($35)
14.2% alc
Color: Medium black cherry (3.0) Bouquet: Sweet, stewed cherry with nice acidity, caramel-oak and a touch of tannin. (3.0) Body: Excellent acidity propelling rich and tasty, but not overly extracted fruit. Solid middleweight with class and a smooth, very drinkable mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Bright cherry with minty acidity. Could be more giving and complex, but has the exciting spirit of youth. Very alive. (3.0) Finish: Long, lively cherry that goes on for 30-45 seconds. Delicious with butter-caramel oak and subtle RRV spice and fresh mint. (3.5)
Overall: Beautiful, youthful P.N. fruit with excellent acidity and finesse. This is not your typical over-extracted, super-ripe, big, but slightly obnoxious CA Pinot. It is about balance and class with RRV style. Probably at its best now and in the next 1-3 years. (15.5)