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2006 The Reserve Pinot Noir
The Reserve is an exclusive selection of a single barrel of Pinot Noir representing the most intriguing wine in the cellar. Every block within our 30 acre vineyard is individually hand harvested at its peak of flavor maturity and intensity. Block by block, the fruit is fermented in small 1.5 ton lots and matured for over 12 months in French oak barrels. Every vineyard block and clone/rootstock combination showcases something unique and special from the vineyard. After fermentation is complete, the wine is placed into a selection of barrels to mature. We source French oak barrels from several coopers. The wine takes a different path to maturity in each barrel, developing its own nuances. We taste all of our barrels of wine many times throughout the year. We experience the evolution of flavors and aromas and remember the significant events in our vineyard. The excitement of an early bloom, the mystery of a very light fruit set, the discovery of color change at veraison and the rapture of harvest. Tasting each barrel of wine provides us a snapshot in time. We experience the wine’s development. As we taste through the cellar, we make mental notes on each barrel. By the time we begin blending trials, we each have a pretty intimate idea of our favorite barrels. Dena will usually lay claim to a few barrels, and Ernie knows to leave those for last. Ernie includes these barrel samples as well as his favorites as single barrel samples in the blending trials. This wine is a 25 case blend of our favorite single barrel samples.
The Vintage: 2006 marks another warm and bountiful vintage for Amalie Robert Estate. The growing season was warm without excessive temperature spikes or drought. Degree days came in just under 2,200, rainfall from April through October was just under 6” and seemed to come just at the right time. Ernie manages the vineyard, but Mother Nature handles the irrigation program. These conditions provided for beautifully developed and very expressive fruit.
Tasting Notes: Deep rich red intensity in the glass. Voluptuous and scintillating aromas of Five Spice, dried plums and tarragon structure the bouquet. Lively and full flavored on the palate with intense dried Montmorency cherry, earthy spice and savory. The finish is firm with lingering fruit and, silky tannins that persist. Yeah man! You gotta try this!!! Unfined and unfiltered. 25 cases produced. Equal parts Wadenswil clone and Dijon clone 113. Food Pairings: Prosciutto wrapped roast pheasant medallions with rosemary potato pancakes and plum chutney. Blue chesses or truffles for afters, and finish with Saint André Triple Cream Cheese.
2006 The Reserve Accolades Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2009
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