Kent Rasmussen Winery Pinot Noir Carneros 2006

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3 Reviews

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Winery:

Kent Rasmussen Winery

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Region:

USA > California > Napa > Carneros

Type:

Red Wine

Color:

Drink Dates:

Drink Now - 2012

UPC:

 

User Tags:  mushroom, smoked, earthy, black cherry, nose, tasting, fruity, overpowering, nice, bitter 

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What to Expect

California has long struggled with Pinot Noir. Finding the right vineyards for this most fickle of grape, one that enjoys a cool growing season yet needs warmth close to harvest to fully ripen, has proven a challenge in such a sunny state. Cooler areas eventually became identified; the Santa Rita Hills, Russian River Valley and Mendocino's Anderson valley are all prime spots for Pinot Noir in California. Unlike the lighter colored and sometimes delicate Pinots of Burgundy, California produces many rich, deep Pinots full of slightly chewy dark berry and cherry fruits with hints of cola, Asian spices and forest floor frequently adding complexity.

Winemakers Notes

Notes: Of the last ten vintages, I think that 2006 ranks as one of the best—especially for Pinot Noir. All through the summer we had the kind of weather that makes grapevines ecstatic….warm days, cool nights---and no rain. Harvest temperatures were modest, without the heat spikes that we saw in 2003 and 2004, and soil moisture stayed absolutely appropriate for our old dry-farmed vines.
I have now made wine from these grapes for so many years, I have a good idea of what fermentation procedures and techniques bring out the best in them—three or four days of pre-fermentation maceration, read more...a modest fermentation that peaks out at about 85 degrees and then pressing just at, or slightly before, dryness. I continue to back off a bit on the oak; however, after experimenting for several years with small amounts of Hungarian oak, I finally added some new Hungarian barrels to our barrel program. They seem to really bring out the best in Pinot Noir.
When you smell this wine you will think of black cherries, mushrooms, licorice, raspberries and vanilla. The taste carries these characters, but adds a rich and round mouthfeel that makes the wine truly a pleasure to drink.    (hide)

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