2006 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Alder Springs Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The medium-bodied 2006 Pinot Noir Alder Springs Vineyard exhibits floral, raspberry, cherry, root vegetable, and spice notes. The wine tails off in the mouth, revealing an element of dilution. It, too, should be drunk over the next 1-2 years. One of the most impressive Burgundian-styled negociant operations in California, the quartet of Donald and Heather Patz, James Hall, and Anne Moses continues to fine tune and improve what were already top-notch wines. Their 2006 Chardonnays represent successes for the vintage. All four 2006 Pinot Noirs are good given the vintage, but not at the level that one expects from high quality Pinot Noir producers. Tel. (877) 265-6700
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good full red. Captivating nose hints at rose petal, orange peel, sandalwood, minerals and mint, plus a high-toned character like potpourri. Juicy, dry and pure, with noteworthy concentration to its floral and peppery flavors. In a rather Old World style: uncompromisingly dry and floral, with moderate weight and subtle inner-mouth perfume. Finishes with dusty tannins. One can almost taste the skins of the grapes in this wine. I'd wait a couple of years for this pinot to soften.