5/14/2024 - VinoAddict wrote:

Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. So glad the odds were in my favor with this bottle of Domaine Serene. Fantastic aromas of baking spice and earth. Dark cherry and some plum on the palate, with plenty of acidity still showing through. Short-medium finish.

4/28/2024 - VinoAddict wrote:

I will miss these wines. It was a great journey to watch the MacPhail portfolio develop and ultimately sell off to Hess. Even though this final vintage was completely out of the hands of the original team, the vineyard site is so well represented. This is terroir at its finest backed by some solid wine making. Agree with the other comments that this is a bigger Pinot, but it has aged very well.

4/30/2024 - VinoAddict wrote:

The first bottling of this vintage that I opened was one-dimensional and lacked structure/depth. So glad I had another in the cellar. This wine is stellar. The aromas are vibrant. The body is textured and has good weight. The secondary flavors are coming alive and this wine is drinking so very well.

4/3/2024 - VinoAddict wrote:

Glad I waited on this one... The "Estate" bottling from '08 is really showing well now that it has some age. Still drinking youthfully, with a fresh bouquet on the nose and some lively fruits on the palate.

3/25/2024 - VinoAddict wrote:

The Winery Hill is, sadly, not showing as well as the Evenstad Reserve or Jerusalem Hill from the same vintage. Perhaps it's going through a quiet period, but this bottling lacked anything special on the palate. Hoping this was just bottle variation, but I'm disappointed with the outcome after storing it in ideal conditions for the last 12+ years.

3/23/2024 - VinoAddict wrote:

Really enjoyed this one, particularly consider the age and vintage. Other 2010s from W-S have generally lost their fruit, but this one is going strong. Bright red fruit flavors with good acidity and a lingering medium-length finish. Is the price-point justified? No. But is it a good Pinot 14-years pas vintage? Definitely. Truth be told, I misread the label and opened the wrong bottle; nevertheless, I was very pleased to find a 2010 from Selyem that is showing this well. No need to hold longer, but I suspect this will be showing well for at least another 12-months.

3/18/2024 - VinoAddict wrote:

Drinking so well... Lively aromas of fruit and cedar ... Dark berry and spice on the palate, smooth texture and medium finish. So glad I was patient with this one.

3/7/2024 - VinoAddict wrote:

Fantastic Pinot that remains fresh despite the age. 13-years in bottle and starting to mellow, but still showing lots of character. Features bright red fruit, sweet vanilla and a nice amount of acidity. Very approachable; no decanting required.

9/9/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

Surprisingly showing very well. Silky texture with medium weight on palate. Cedar spice, darker fruits, hint of acidity. Stood up well to a variety of meats. No decanting required.

9/25/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

Drinking from a magnum and I am pleased to report that this is showing so very well.

8/25/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

Aging beautifully. This is classic Lynmar with a depth of character that is unique to the Five Sisters. Will take better notes next time around.

8/30/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

Absolutely spectacular Pinot Noir from start to finish. Fragrant, spicy aromas on the nose. And a fantastic richness of flavor and texture on the palate. Emphasis on the dark fruit and anise characteristics. Medium-long finish.

7/23/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

This still presents like quite a young wine. Dark crimson in the glass with a bouquet of aromas on the nose... Initial sip without any decanting highlights bright acidity and a medium-long finish that is somewhat disjoint at first. Initial burst of flavor showcases dark red and blue fruits, but quickly transitions to plum on the mid-palate, and only starts to show the brighter red fruits on the finish. After about 30-40 minutes of decanting, however, everything really starts to come together and sing more harmoniously. I really enjoyed this once it opened up. A heavier weight than in some recent years, it could hold up to a variety of food dishes without being overbearing. Definitely cellar for a few more years before revisiting.

7/24/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

This one is still going strong and aging beautifully. I've always found the Estate from De Ponte to be more refined and less fruit-driven than the 'standard' Dundee Hills; the 2007 is consistent with that observation. The nose is relatively quiet and subtle, but the body is well structured and beautifully layered. This is not a "big" Pinot to pair with a heavy meal, but one that stands up well to drinking with cheeses or with light fare. I don't think there's any rush to drink down what's in the cellar, but this has likely peaked and is sitting firm for the next 3-5 years.

6/30/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

This wine continues to amaze me. It definitely hit a period about 12-18 months ago where it seemed to be showing some deterioration and losing its flair. I'm pleased to report that it's back (at least this bottle was) and showing quite well. Nice aromas on the nose. Blue fruits still featured on the palate. Great length. Hard to complain.

6/29/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

Amazing wine, and showing very well right now. Lovely nose of cedar, clove and floral notes. Silky smooth on the palate, with a feature of red fruits and some barrel spice. Medium finish. Delicious and not particularly thin like some of the other Selyem bottlings from the same vintage. Wish I had purchased more of this Peay vineyard.

5/21/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

18-years past vintage and showing incredibly well! Medium Ruby color in the glass, with lovely spice on the nose. The body is more fresh than I expected, with dark fruit and red berry coming through on the palate. Short-Medium finish. Very enjoyable.

4/27/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

A lovely, velvety mouthfeel and lots of fresh, juicy red fruits. This was very enjoyable, though I did feel like some depth was missing, from both acidity and secondary flavors. I suspect this will age well, but if you enjoy a smooth, easy to drink and very fruit-driven Pinot, don't hesitate to pop the cork.

4/28/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

Drinking very well, particularly after getting a bit of air. A funky, earthy character really sets this wine apart from other Sonoma Coast peers and the dark fruit is a delight.

2/18/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

I think this one is peaking with age. 9-years in and the aromas pack a punch, while the body still shows a freshness that has already faded in many California Pinots of a similar age. Sadly, this label is no more; some serious talent behind this one.

2/15/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

Sadly, another flawed bottle of the Evanstad Reserve. Crumbly cork and hints of TCA. It's unfortunate because I know how good this wine and vintage can be... Hoping the next bottle is a return to form.

2/10/2023 - VinoAddict wrote:

I am really quite pleased with how well this bottling has aged. Other wines from the same producer and vintage are showing a fair amount of age while the Two Barns has retained a more youthful vibe. While it's lost some of the once unique character, it holds up as a good example of Oregon Pinot from a lovely warm vintage.

12/23/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Notes consistent with previous tastings. Really enjoyable wine that is still showing rather fresh characteristics. As more and more producers jack up their prices post-pandemic, this is starting to look like a bargain wine at its purchase price of sub $60. A solid performer that is holding strong.

12/22/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

I have to agree with the recent tasting notes. Though this wine has not completely gone south, it's definitely past its prime. The dark, rich burgundy color in the glass and rich fruity aromas on the nose would lead you to think it might be a younger wine. But the somewhat sour and plum-like character on the palate shows this wine has lived a good, long life and it's time to move on any that remain in your cellar. Don't get me wrong, it's still enjoyable. But don't think you can get away with enjoying this over 2-3 nights. Drink now.

11/12/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Still drinking well. On the palate, the fruit is definitely starting to soften but it's integrating so nicely. Still plenty of acidity and structure. In fact, the finish is med-long and just a delight to enjoy as the different layers are exposed. This should probably be consumed in the next 2-3 years for maximum enjoyment; I find the 2012s from CA are generally more youthful, so drink the '13s first.

10/25/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Balanced Oregon Pinot Noir that is settled into a really nice zone. It's taking on more secondary flavors and still has some vibrant acidity that shows on the palate. Starting to showcase more earthiness and tart red fruit. Drinks well on its own, but also pairs nicely with a variety of dishes (and does particularly well with cheese).

10/24/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

This was a big, concentrated wine and presented initially more like a Zin than a Pinot. Fruit profile is dark, with some decent acidity showing on the palate. Fresh flavors still coming through, this pairs nicely with food. I'm not convinced this will get better with much age, but it's drinking well now; just keep in mind the fact that this is not your typical Pinot Noir, or even your typical profile for a Lynmar wine.

10/22/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

This wine is reached a very special point in its development... Still dark and inky in the glass, with a lively nose. On the palate, silky smooth texture that showcases dark berry and savory notes with very nicely integrated tannin and a solid weight to accompany food. Loved it.

9/21/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

This bottling is definitely showing its age. Still enjoyable, but not nearly as exciting as previous experiences. And showing signs of oxidation quickly after popping the cork; not one to drag across multiple days. Drink up if you have any remaining in the cellar!

8/29/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Showing very well, particularly if you're patient enough to decant or allow some time to open in the glass. Upon opening, this 2012 is still quite tight, showing little fruit and more rustic character of baking spice and earth. After some time, it opened up and had a lovely aromatic nose and a suddenly vibrant palate of juicy fruit. I'm amazed how well the RRV 2012s continue to show. Drink or cellar for another 3-5 years.

8/30/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Classic Williams Selyem with a lively nose still showing after 12-years in bottle and fruit still present on the palate. Age starting to show through in both the cloudy pour and the slightly muted fruit, but this is drinking very well. Plenty of acidity to pair with food, but drinking nicely on its own. Pop & pour with no decanting. Drink now, as further aging is unlikely to add any additional character.

8/6/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Absolutely amazing and showing very well. Vibrant aromas jump out of the glass, followed by a silky smooth texture of medium weight showing nice overall integration and light acidity. This vineyard site and bottling continues to shine in the WS portfolio.

8/7/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

This MacPhail continues to drink well, now 10-years past vintage. Funky (in a really good way) aromas on the nose with darker fruit on the palate and a medium finish. Plenty of acidity and structure still coming through. Delicious.

4/30/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Incredible showing from a hot vintage that continues to age well.

3/19/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Aging so well. Nearing the end of my stock. Drink soon for optimal enjoyment.

3/11/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Another incredible showing from the 2005 Oregon Pinot Noirs. Definitely a mixed lot, as not all bottles from this producer are aging as well. But this particular one was screaming. Amazing aromas jumping out of the bottle. Silky texture on the palate with integrated tannin, balanced acidity, well-aged blue and black fruits, with baking spice and forest floor adding to the richness. Really enjoyable on day 1, with a noticeable drop on day 2 after 24-hours of accelerated aging.

3/10/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Wow ... this wine is really starting to wake up. Lovely floral aromas mixed with some earthy funk on the nose. And the palate is everything I've come to love about this vineyard site - dark berry, earthiness, and a weighty texture. Medium finish.

1/31/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

Really enjoyed this bottling from Williams Selyem. It shows restraint and highlights the fruit from this cool, coastal site. Soft at first, but after having some time to breath really came into its own. Recommend a few years of cellaring, but not a long-term hold.

1/15/2022 - VinoAddict wrote:

An enjoyable wine that is, sadly, starting to sunset. The fruit is oxidized. The body is silky, but tired. Sorry to see this vintage fading out, but 15-years is a good run. Excited to see how the magnums have survived.

8/23/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

Very, very, very good. I've had a fair amount of '05 Cote Sud over the last 1-2 years and none has presented as well as this bottling. Lovely aromas right from the start, with a nice array of lively fruit, balanced acidity, and length on the finish. I know they all will not show like this (there's a lot of variability in the older Domaine Serenes) but this was incredibly good, not just for the age, but for the polish and elegance that came through in the glass.

7/26/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

Very enjoyable. Wish I had taken detailed tasting notes. I recall some nice acidity and bright red fruits -- cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry. There was lovely balance to the wine, poured right out of the bottle. The '17s are showing a lot of elegance at such a young age, but I think these will do nicely with some time in the cellar.

8/18/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

Definitely not past it's prime! But also into the stage where it's showing a lot of earthy characteristics. Very nice structure and a lovely wine that presents like a heavier varietal than Pinot Noir. Glad I let this one get some age before popping the cork.

8/17/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

Agree with other tasting notes: This is drinking so well, and can hold up to many more years of cellaring. Lively bouquet on the nose, great acidity on the palate, medium finish ... very good.

8/8/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

I failed to take detailed notes on this one, but was pleased to find a cork in very good condition and a fresh and lively bouquet upon opening. Much fresher than my previous note/bottling. Great structure, plenty of acidity, and lots of fresh fruit still on the body. One left in the cellar and I am in no rush to open it.

7/10/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

Fantastic wine that has reached a near-perfect spot in its aging. Tons of distinct "Pinot funk" on the nose and an enjoyable stack of layers that followed on the palate. Wish I took better notes, but thankful I was more focused on enjoying what was in the bottle. This was so very good.

7/9/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

Aging beautifully despite repeat cork issues (disintegration despite professional temperature-controlled cellaring).

6/12/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

Yet another disintegrating cork from Domaine Serene's 2006 bottling. These wines are total hit or miss with regard to bottle variation. The good news is that this particular bottle was incredible. Dark fruit. Lots of structure. Fresh acidity (still!). If only these things were more consistent.

4/16/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

This bottling was so good. Dark fruit, bright acidity, smooth silky texture. I've purchased many MacPhails over the years and have enjoyed them. But there was something special in this Wightman House. 2012 was a fantastic year in general for the regions Pinot; wishing I had picked up more of this because it is doing so well right now.

1/19/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

Drinking so well. This wine was incredibly fresh and lively, with a gorgeous bouquet on the nose and depth of flavor on the palate. Almost more weighty than a typical Pinot from this producer.

1/2/2021 - VinoAddict wrote:

Delicious. Sadly, I failed to take detailed tasting notes, but this is tasting incredibly well right now. Based on the abundance of acidity and the lovely structure, I think there are many good years of cellaring ahead for those with the patience.