2010 Papapietro Perry, Pinot Noir, Elsbree Vineyard, Russian River Valley.
Wow, the 2010 Papapietro Perry Elsbree has really blossomed and is now fabulous and one of the best 2010’s I’ve had from the region, it shows beautiful detail and richness, but still has a good life force of freshness, this is what we all had hoped in 2010 wines, and here it is. This is a good Omen as to what the vintage has to offer, a cool year, and slowly developing in bottle, it looks like they can gain depth, poise and certainly character and aromatics as found in this bottling of Papapietro Perry. The Elsbree is one of those old school Russian River site that has part of the vineyard planted to old Zinfandel vines and other parts with Pinot Noir and for a freak of nature, for some reason, it works, very unique for sure. The 2010 Papapietro Perry Pinot Noir Elsbree starts with intense floral tones, including dark violets, wild flowers and rose petal, earthy spice and loam, and sweet kirsch plus a hint of game leading to a full, but vibrant palate of black cherry, blueberry and plum fruits with a dose of raspberry and cola bean mid palate along with smoky wood, anise, vanilla and tea spices. There is great vigor and supple tannins holding things together, though everything flows smoothly and the finish is long and glorious, this is pure Russian River Pinot that delivers everything you’d expect, it is in league with Rochioli and Williams Selyem and of that style, and while slightly out of fashion these days (being so deep and full) it is a great wine to enjoy now.
($67 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
