Drinking another 2004 Radio-Coteau La Neblina Pinot Noir
After I purchased 6 bottles of the 2004 Radio-Coteau La Neblina Pinot Noir on the strength of the 1 that I tried a few months ago, I decided that perhaps I would sell some or all of those 6 bottles. Well, I decided to open the bottle that had been resting in my wine cellar for several months to see whether it would be wise to sell the other bottles.
It would be quite wise, I have decided, to keep every single bottle of this wine that I have.
The wine is currently decanting so I can only say, initially, that the aroma is a slightly sweet-smelling array of cherry, raspberry, and even strawberry. The flavor, initially, is already quite balanced surprisingly: as promised, there is cherry throughout and with a slight dose of acidity to counteract the sweet notes on the nose. Very good so far!
After 2.5 hours of decanting, and with some marinated roast lamb and baked yams, here are my thoughts on this wine:
- Aroma: Ripe red cherry and possibly some loganberry rather than raspberry; a hint of oak.
- Flavor: Very luscious, mouth-filling red fruit with nicely balanced mouthfeel. Not too acidic or tannic; quite poised. Well worth decanting for 2-3 hours in the end.
- General impression: Just a terrific Pinot Noir that goes well with lamb, yams, olive bread, and lots of other hearty autumn foods.
Overall, once again, I am reminded why I like Radio-Coteau so much. I will definitely hang onto the rest of my bottles, although I might give 1 or 2 away as gifts…assuming the recipients promise to decant their gift.