PinotFile Offers a Tasty Review of the 2009 Vintage

 

Very Good +| 2009 Pinot Noir Cohn Vineyard, Sonoma County

"A remarkable wine offering alluring aromas of spicy, earth-kissed red and black berries that intensify over time in the glass. Delicious essence of black raspberries and black cherries with exotic spice notes. Soft and silky in the mouth with a generous finish that is memorable for its length. A complete wine. Very good (+)."

Very Good | Zinfandel, Sonoma County

"A cooler weather styled Zinfandel that drinks more like a Pinot. Despite its hefty alcohol, the wine is light on its feet and not jammy with bright purple fruits, especially blackberries, with hints of white pepper and restrained fine tannins. Quite a delightful drink. Very good."

Good | 2009 Pinot Noir La Pommeraie, Russian River Valley

"This is the one wine in the 2009 lineup that is relatively closed. We initially pulled the cork and found the wine reluctant, and an hour and a half later, it had just begun to open. Fruity aromas augmented by scents of spice and graham. Flavors of dark plums and black cherries framed by firm tannins. My least favorite in the lineup now, but time in the cellar will undoubtedly change the experience. Good."

Very Good | 2009 Pinot Noir Bella Una, Russian River Valley

"Vibrant scent of mixed berries, sandalwood and Asian 5-spice. A very elegant and sophisticated wine with crisp dark red cherry and berry flavors filling the mid palate with joy and softly exiting with aromatic intensity. Very good."

Very Good | 2009 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard, Anderson Valley

"This wine is filled with charm offering aromas of black cherries and baking spices and flavors of black raspberries and juicy red plums all wrapped in soft tannins and framed in bright acidity. The mouth feel is pure silk. Quite precocious for Savoy Vineyard, but the wine's perfect balance will lead to a long cellar life. Very good."

Very Good | 2009 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

"Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherries and baking spice. Highly approachable and very tasty array of dark fruits with supple tannins. A stellar daily drinker for current consumption. Very good."

Good | 2009 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

"Bright aromas of dark red fruits with a hint of savory herbs. A little heftier than the Sonoma Coast bottling with a juicy core of dark red cherries and berries and a riff of herbs and spice. Good."

Very Good + | 2009 Chardonnay La Pommeraie, Russian River

"The most intense Chardonnay and always my favorite in the Benovia Chardonnay lineup. Lovely aromas of citrus peel, baked pear and honeysuckle. Slightly creamy on the palate, with crisp flavors of apples, pears and lemons with a minerally undertone. A hi-collared offering that will please any Chardonnay aficionado. Very good (+)."

Very Good | 2009 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

"A classic Chardonnay with striking aromas and flavors of fresh apples and candied citrus. Very crisp and bright on the palate with a juicy, dry finish. Very good."

Good | 2009 Chardonnay, Sonoma Mountain

"Tropical fruit spirited with added aromas and flavors of blood oranges, pears, oak spice and vanillin. Not a wine to contemplate, but one to enjoy for its up front charm. Good."

Good | 2009 Grenache, Sonoma Mountain

"A small production item from winemaker Michael Sullivan's family vineyard. Intensely fruity with a rich core of red and black berries, black currants and mu shu plum sauce backed by ripe, muscular tannins. Good."

- The PinotFile • Volume 8, Issue 41 July 18, 2011