Love LC19. It’s killer tonight, even more expressive than the last time I had it flaunting deep, powerful layers of ripe orchard fruit with smoky minerals, toasted hazelnuts and exotic spices. The palate is impeccably structured and concentrated with a satiny texture and vibrant energy that gives way to a saline and mineral laced finale. Pinot Meunier from the master, it just can’t be matched. This is the best release since LC13. — 8 months ago
Mid Ruby red in colour with a tawny edge. Sour cherry with touches of pepper and cloves. Not as raspberry as I was expecting from old vine Mataro. With a couple of hours of aeration the raspberry notes started coming through finishing with Sandy tannins. This wine is made by the multi talented Andrew Caillard who is the supremo of Fine Wine retailer and auctioneer Langtons who allowed Andrew to make his superb range of wines under his own label using old vine Mataro and Shiraz; painted the exquisite labels himself and who achieved a Master of Wine in his spare time. I am lucky to have 5 of these beauties left. 96 points from James Halliday. — 2 years ago
See previous notes on March 2020 and October 2020. This tasting was even better than those two tastings. At 10 years it is peaking. Sweet and savoury ripe plum and black cherry. So mellow, earthy and delicious. A brilliant wine from a brilliant winemaker. He certainly is the master of alternative varieties in this country - Steve Pannell. A lot like cool climate Shiraz and many would pick it as that in a blind tasting. A great match with Chicken Legs. — 10 months ago
Another great btl from the master of SJ. This had palate staining concentration , balanced with beautiful aromatics of black cherry, berry fruit, sweet & savory spice, graphite, licorice, meat, iron & violets. — 6 months ago
At 24 years of age this is youthful and vital with a rich ridge of stone fruit braced by range citrus acid and a lingering, slightly mineral finish. Delightful. — a year ago
Sticky and sweet with heavy notes of cherry and plum — 2 years ago
Eric Urbani
Wes Hagen, 20 year veteran wine maker at Clos Pepe Vineyard, joined our group and gave us a master class in Santa Barbara pinot noir. We tried 11 PNs from 2004-2010, made by Loring, AP Vin, Sandler, Siduri, and Brewer-Clifton. This 2009 Loring had the meaty flavors that I love in a great US PN. — a month ago