Barham Mendolsohn, 2004 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

$42.00 -- A nice blackberry theme adds depth and nicely complement this wine's ample "cherriosity".

Purchase Barham Mendolsohn, 2004 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Tasting Notes
It would be fun to taste this next to the Le Bon Climat Pinot that Winemaker Jim Clendenen also vinifies. Two 2004 pinots side-by-side, one from Santa Maria Valley, the other from Russian River, each made by the same winemaker, and from the very same clones. Talk about a controlled experiment.

This wine shows some nice blackberry that adds depth and nicely complement its ample cherriosity. I love its suggestions of countryside earth that begs for lamb or mushrooms or anything with truffle oil. Juicy, balanced, full of lively, ripe fruit; it has an extended, creamy finish despite showing a firmness that tells me it will age nicely for several years to come.

Growing and Vinifying
At a time when winemaking is increasingly ruled by manipulations in the cellar (ask us about micro-oxygenation, color additives like “Mega Purple”, de-alcoholizing systems, watered wines, and acid additions) it’s good to know hand-crafted wines like this still exist. As with most of the wines we select for you, this is as natural a product as is possible, from the vineyard to the cellar.

When the Mendelssohn’s first planted their vineyard, clonal selection was not taken lightly. After making their selections, they compiled a list of the most successful Pinot producers and discovered that Clendenen had planted the same five clones when developing his own Le Bon Climat vineyard.

When approached with the idea of this joint venture, Jim was impressed by their commitment to organic and sustainable farming (as well as by their clonal wisdom!). He agreed to make their first vintage and has produced this wine ever since, extending their sustainability commitment into the winery. For example, note the cloudiness when this wine is in your glass? It is unfiltered– a decision that leaves the grape’s tastier bits in the wine instead of on some filter pad, akin to the flavorful but opaque cup of coffee you get when it’s made in a French Press.

Cheers!
Dave Chambers, Wine Merchant

Purchase Barham Mendolsohn, 2004 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

SKU: BM-PN-04

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RELATED PRODUCTS

Au Bon Climat, 2004 Pinot Noir, Le Bon Climat Vineyard -- Same Winemaker and clones as the Barham Mendelsohn. A side-by-side comparison compares the terroir of Russian River with Santa Maria!