Grapelive Wine of the Week

By Kerry Winslow

***

redcarhne08.jpg2008 Red Car Pinot Noir “Heaven and Earth” La Boheme Vineyard, Sonoma Coast.
Last year this wine grabbed the headlines when it scored 97 Points in Wine Spectator and graced the cover of the year’s Pinot Noir edition, but those in the know have been fans longer than that and are grateful that the 2008 got a more modest score when it was tasted in barrel, and now that it has had time to develop in bottle it is showing much better! Without question this wine is the real deal and will only get better, and for those that don’t need the hype, can get it! At the Family Winemaker’s show in August 2010, I got to try it, and wow this is great Pinot Noir and thought it might just prove to be better than the 2007! This 2008 is rich and vibrant with perfume and texture that are classic and refined at this point, with depth and structure. I found lots of interesting layers and was intrigued by the heady nose; it was like liquid flowers, roses, violets and wildflowers with mineral essence, sweet smoke and vanilla. The palate is pure Pinot, cherry and wild plum fruits are in full force, and there is some earth and spice in the background. The finish is long and leaves a silky fruit and herbs sensation with a touch of cola bean and lavender. ($60 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive

***

By admin