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2007 Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir Barrel Select Rated 90 Points |
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The 2007 Pinot Noir Barrel Select was aged for 16 months in 46% new oak. It offers up greater aromatic complexity with its aromas of cinnamon, allspice, smoke, cherry, and raspberry. With greater concentration of fruit, layers of savory flavor, and enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years, this suave, lengthy Pinot Noir will provide pleasure through 2017. Tim Ramey, owner of Zenith Vineyard, had his first vintage in 2006. He purchased the former O'Connor Vineyard, planted in 1982, built a winery, and hired Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent to make the wines. www.zenithvineyard.com
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2007 Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate Rated Rated 87 Points |
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The 2007 Pinot Noir Estate was aged for 16 months in one-third new French oak. It is medium ruby-colored with a nose of spice box, cedar, red fruit, and a hint of bell pepper. Made in an elegant, restrained style, it has a silky palate feel, good balance, and a medium-long finish. It will drink well over the next 5-6 years. Tim Ramey, owner of Zenith Vineyard, had his first vintage in 2006. He purchased the former O'Connor Vineyard, planted in 1982, built a winery, and hired Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent to make the wines. www.zenithvineyard.com
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2007 Zenith Vineyard Tempranillo Rated 89 Points |
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Tim Ramey is a fan of Spanish wine and Tempranillo. He decided to plant a small parcel as an experiment and the 2007 Tempranillo Estate is the result. There are 32 cases of this attractively scented wine. Notes of damp earth, blackberry, and black cherry are followed by a wine with medium to full body, plenty of black fruit flavor, and excellent balance. Although this lengthy effort can be enjoyed now, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring. Tim Ramey, owner of Zenith Vineyard, had his first vintage in 2006. He purchased the former O'Connor Vineyard, planted in 1982, built a winery, and hired Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent to make the wines. www.zenithvineyard.com
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Allen Meadows' 1st Quarter, 2010 Issue 37
B U R G H O U N D . C O M®
2007 Pinot Noir - Estate: (from Eola-Amity Hills fruit; 12.1%). A high-toned, elegant and admirably pure nose of cranberry, red pinot and currant aromas dissolves into delicious, detailed and supple light to middle weight flavors that terminate in a racy, dusty and intense finish of solid persistence. 88/2012+
2007 Pinot Noir - Barrel Select: (from Eola-Amity Hills fruit; 12.3%). Here the nose displays a similar fruit profile yet is more elegant still with slightly better complexity as well that continues onto the delicious, pure and beautifully detailed middle weight flavors that finish with real verve and fine persistence. This is not overly complex at present but if it can add depth with a few years in the cellar, my score will likely be overly conservative. 89/2013+
2006 Pinot Noir - Estate: (from Eola-Amity Hills fruit; 13.8%). The sample I reviewed last year apparently had experienced elevated levels of Brett that were strong enough to dominate the wine. Tim Ramey informed me that his quality control tests had revealed no such problem and he was kind enough to submit another bottle for review. The second bottle did have a trace amount of reduction though 20 minutes in a decanter was enough to successfully dissipate it, where the nose revealed somber briar-infused red and blue pinot fruit and plum aromas that complement the nicely complex middle weight flavors that culminate in a tangy and slightly edgy finish. Neither Ramey nor I understand what might have happened to cause the first bottle to perform as it did but based on the second bottle, it was clearly not representative. 87/2012+
2006 Pinot Noir - Barrel Select: (from Eola-Amity Hills fruit; 13.8%). A ripe dark berry fruit nose replete with ample notes of briar and earth that continue onto the rich, full, generous and delicious medium-bodied flavors brimming with dry extract and a real sense of mid-palate density culminate in a round and curiously for the reported alcohol level, notably warm finish. This does offer solid complexity though it lacks a bit of backend precision. Good if not better. 87/2009+
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