Montagu
Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
My appreciation, and affection, for Weston’s wines is well known because of my friendship with him. That being said, I do my best to analyze each wine of his on their own.
This 2016 saw a step up in the spice department compared to previous vintages. While this is a “big” Pinot by ABV standards, it wears it well and epitomizes RRV type Pinots. Dark red in the glass with big aromatics of ripe black cherries, blackberries, and even some birch wood. On the palate, the acidity at this stage is vibrant…kiss of classical RRV cola notes but it’s more black pepper spice alongside dark tangy fruits. Rich mid palate with a finish that is a balance of Christmas fruit cake and cherry liqueur.
If you have any of these, hold another 2-3yrs to see this balance out. Solid now with a quick decant.
My appreciation, and affection, for Weston’s wines is well known because of my friendship with him. That being said, I do my best to analyze each wine of his on their own.
This 2016 saw a step up in the spice department compared to previous vintages. While this is a “big” Pinot by ABV standards, it wears it well and epitomizes RRV type Pinots. Dark red in the glass with big aromatics of ripe black cherries, blackberries, and even some birch wood. On the palate, the acidity at this stage is vibrant…kiss of classical RRV cola notes but it’s more black pepper spice alongside dark tangy fruits. Rich mid palate with a finish that is a balance of Christmas fruit cake and cherry liqueur.
If you have any of these, hold another 2-3yrs to see this balance out. Solid now with a quick decant.
For me, this is very young to fully score. This might receive an even better score in 4-6 years. Still a lot of spice, baking spices (cinnamon stick-Brach’s hard candy), clove nutmeg & dark spices that needs to integrate further. Showing very primary.
The fruits are nicely ripe; black plum, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, some cranberries, blueberries & strawberries. Dark, rich soils, light crushed, dry rocks, limestone & volcanic alluvial minerals, touch of dry brush & lightly savory meats with floral & slightly candied florals that are mostly fresh; dark, red, purple & blue. Nicely executed acidity with a well balanced, elegant & polished finish that sails straight persistently for minutes.
For me, this is very young to fully score. This might receive an even better score in 4-6 years. Still a lot of spice, baking spices (cinnamon stick-Brach’s hard candy), clove nutmeg & dark spices that needs to integrate further. Showing very primary.
The fruits are nicely ripe; black plum, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, some cranberries, blueberries & strawberries. Dark, rich soils, light crushed, dry rocks, limestone & volcanic alluvial minerals, touch of dry brush & lightly savory meats with floral & slightly candied florals that are mostly fresh; dark, red, purple & blue. Nicely executed acidity with a well balanced, elegant & polished finish that sails straight persistently for minutes.
Really good stemmy cherries. Better on day 2.
Really good stemmy cherries. Better on day 2.
Nov 10th, 2022
Again, so very good. Masks it's 14.9abv very well.
Again, so very good. Masks it's 14.9abv very well.
Apr 10th, 2020Drinking so nicely right now. Elegance in a glass.
Drinking so nicely right now. Elegance in a glass.
May 8th, 2019Another very nice effort from @Weston Eidson. This Pinot is unabashedly big.
Another very nice effort from @Weston Eidson. This Pinot is unabashedly big.
Apr 3rd, 2019Arrived home from a few days away and discovered the women in my life had raided the cellar. Fortunately they left me a taste, which was as always top shelf - even on day two!
Arrived home from a few days away and discovered the women in my life had raided the cellar. Fortunately they left me a taste, which was as always top shelf - even on day two!
Mar 23rd, 2019