from avalonwine.com
Hamacher & Domaine Meriwether
---- The Last of Oregon's Famed 2002's
Wine Spectator rated Oregon's
2002 vintage with
a whopping
97 points.
And here we are, four years
out, and the last of the 2002 Pinots have been
released. Most noteworthy is the world class
Pinot noir from Eric Hamacher.
Eric is known for the long
cellar time he allows his wines before release.
His Pinots receive stellar scores from Parker.
Hamacher Pinot noir 02 $37.30/$41.45
http://www.northwest-wine.com/hamacherwines.html
Wine
Advocate rating 90+ points: "The black fruit
and fresh herb-scented wine builds on the palate
to reveal loads of black cherreis and blackberries
ensconced in considerable quantities of tannin.
This wine has impressive depth, concentration,
and power, most likely enough to sustain its
significant structure. Projected maturity 2008-2015."
From the winery: "A racy, vibrant wine
with bright red fruits underlain by spicy plum
and cedar notes. Sweet & supple with a
long finish-- will only improve for years to
come."
Tasting notes from
Marcus:
Kudos to Eric Hamacher--he crafted a 2002 Pinot
beauty. With the glass two feet away, you immediately
notice the deep ruby color. Deep is a theme
with this wine as intense dark cherry aromas
burst from the glass, highlighted by dried
rose and white flower notes. Focused red and
black cherry flavors form a plump core, while
Eric's patience is rewarded with impeccably
integrated oak. We're still thinking about
the finish--it's that long--and the impressive
balance that will allow the wine to evolve
for several years. This is a must-have for
your cellar.
The Hamacher 02 will be an Avalon
Reserve Pinot noir Club Selection this
fall.
Still available
(mostly due to a change
of ownership that slowed
its release), is
Domaine Meriwther Pinot noir 02 $24.98/$27.75
http://www.northwest-wine.com/domaine-meriwether.html
The Meriwether Pinot received rave reviews.
The
San Francisco Chronicle named
this wine one of the best Oregon Pinots
under $30 and said:
"Aromas
of lavender, black cherry, boysenberry and
cola; zingy raspberry on entry, then black
cherry, plum, cassis, chocolate and spice flavors;
rich, with soft tannins. Low production."
While Domaine
Meriwether is best known for its sparkling
wines, winemaker Jean-Louis Denois,
a sixth generation grower from Champagne, is
not only skilled in the production of Methode
Champenoise sparkling wines. He does an excellent
job with both Pinot noir and Pinot gris, made
in small amounts and mostly sold from the winery.
From the winery: "Deep garnet color with
earthy berry aromas.Balanced, elegant structure
with good integration of cherry, plum, and
spice flavors.Finish is long, refined, and
complex."
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