2005 Tolosa Pinot noir, Central Coast
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This Pinot noir is medium depth ruby-garnet color with brilliant clarity. On first pour, it offers medium intensity aromas of freshly-cracked pepper with light intensity smoke and a caraway note. With time, the pepper and smoke become more tame and less dominant. Light aromas of cola and red fruit (particularly cherry and strawberry) follow. With time, a more distinct, light intensity raspberry aroma becomes distinguishable. In the mouth, light strawberry and cherry dominate at first. With time, light cola and raspberry become more prominent. The body is light and may be a bit lean for some, but with time, the wine unfolds to become plush and seductive with less prominent heat. A medium length finish of fleshy strawberry strikes a slightly bitter note at first but this diminishes and takes a back seat to the fruit after an hour in the decanter. |
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14.2% Alcohol $18.00 Retail (from winery); 7,100 cases (750 ml) produced. |
This wine needs patience and a good hour in the decanter. After some time it splays out in a plush and tantalizingly voluptuous display of indulgent red fruit with nice softness and smooth curves. This wine should cellar well for six years and can be enjoyed with poultry and veal in a red sauce. BOTTOM LINE: Good, with appealing characteristics. Recommended. |
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Learn about: |
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Cite this review | ||
Production Detail:
This wine is made from estate fruit as well as fruit from other San Luis Obispo County vineyards. The latter are described as "coastal hillsides" but that may mean anything in San Luis Obispo County AVA. The fruit was hand harvested and destemmed gently to prevent breaking the berries. Following a 4-5 day cold soak, the lots underwent a two to three week fermentation period punctuated by periodic punchdowns and délestage. After completing fermentation, the wine was racked off into French oak barrels where it spent eight months in élevage prior to bottling.
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Color |
5 points |
(5 points max) |
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Nose |
4 points |
(5 points max) |
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Palate |
4 points |
(5 points max) |
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Finish |
3 points |
(5 points max) |
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Tannins/Minerality |
5 points |
(5 points max) |
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Acidity |
5 points |
(5 points max) |
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Alcohol |
4 points |
(5 points max) |
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Aging potential |
3 points |
(5 points max) |
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Overall quality |
8 points |
(10 points max) |
Cumulative Score: 91 Points
Rating System & Scoring Criteria explained
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