Grapelive Daily Pick
By Kerry Winslow
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2007 Miura Pinot Noir Silacci Vineyard, Monterey County (California). *New Release
Emannuel Kemiji’s secret Pinot, the Silacci Vineyard, is one of the most exciting wines to ever come from this vineyard close to the Santa Lucia Highlands, and it is made exclusively from “Pisoni” (cuttings) vines that are from the original “Pisoni Clone” that shows intense dark color, full-bodied power and deep flavors. The 2007 vintage was tiny, and produced grapes that had extra dark pigment and awesome concentration, with Silacci getting that benefit in spades while still holding good acidity since it is one of the coolest sites in the region. Miura’s block of fruit from Silacci, which is hand picked for the clone and exposure, has made some top class wines over the last few years, but this vintage is by far the most impressive and I was amazed at the Syrah like character without losing its Pinot elegance. Honestly, I would have a real problem picking my favorite of the Miura single vineyard Pinots, though I might pick these 2007 Miura Silacci over the Pisoni or Garys’, and that is saying a lot, especial in this stunning vintage. The nose is perfumed and complex with lots of wildflowers, liqueur, violets, meaty bacon and sweet oak notes that lead to a huge palate of thick cherry, blueberry, cassis, plum and mocha. After some air it gathers even more power and rounds out nicely, while it also gets more Pinot like and has plenty of bright, fresh and tangy fruit that keeps the wine from being flabby. There is some interesting graphite, mineral and truffle in the background as well and the finish is very lengthy and has smooth creamy oak and cherry fruit that lingers lively in the mouth. There is a lot going on in this massive Pinot Noir, that makes me want to compare it to a Grand Cru Burgundy, like a Richebourg with a top Cote-Rotie, like a La Landonne, mixed in! ($63-65 Est.) 94-95 Points, grapelive
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