August 2006 Wine Tasting Notes: 2004 Pinot Noirs.
2004 Byron Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley.
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Deep red color. On the nose, herbal and tobacco notes lead into currant with and a raw steak edge. The mouth opens with a perfumed blend of currant and cherries and develops into a straightforward, medium intensity body with light oak. The acidity is high but not inappropriately so. The finish is subtle and displays light notes of cherry and strawberry . |
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RWB Score: 89 breakdown 14.5% Alcohol $25.00 Retail (from winery); 17,609 cases produced |
Demure but not thin by any means, this offering is less fruity and lush than last year's. There is an herbal predominance common to many pinots from this vintage. As such, it should be approachable to everyone and a great pairing with meat dishes. Mild tannins are pleasant. This wine will not likely improve significantly past five years. Drink up! |
More Byron reviews
Detail
Byron Winery, a consistent producer of reputable pinots sourced from some of the most premier Pinot Noir vineyards in the area, sourced fruit for this wine from the Nielson and Bien Nacido Vineyards. The wine was aged for 10 months in 100% French Oak (25% new) in climate-controlled facilities.
The Nielson Vineyard is touted as the oldest commercial vineyard in the area. Dijon clones planted in the vineyard were selected specifically for this site, ranked in the coolest category on the U.C. Davis scale. Growing seasons at his site are also among the longest in all of California. Benefiting form southern exposure, fruit from these vines is defined by firm structure, vivid color and concentration. The flavors are bold and complex with rich fruit and floral notes.
The Bien Nacido Vineyard is another of Santa Maria Valley’s older vineyard sites, tracing its origins back to 1837. It also bears one of the most formidable reputations. Fruit from this 800 + acre vineyard is sought out by many wine makers. Two of the wines reviewed this month are sourced entirely from this vineyard. On the grounds of the vineyard are two wine making facilities: one is shared by Qupe and Au Bon Climat and the other to Tantara Winery
Jonathan Nagy, Director of Winemaking took over the role of wine maker from Ken Brown in 2003 and has successfully maintained the momentum of quality in Byron Pinot Noirs. The transition was not abrupt and took two years as Jonathan advanced from assistant winemaker.
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5 points |
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Nose |
4 points |
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Palate |
4 points |
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Finish |
3 points |
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Tannins |
4 points |
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Acidity |
5 points |
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Alcohol |
4 points |
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Aging potential |
2 points |
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Overall quality |
8 points |
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