TN: '98 David Bruce Russian River Pinot Noir

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- Mark Lipton
  
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posted
17 years ago

Sat, Sep 2, 2006 2:28 AM

Opened tonight with a simple chicken dinner.

1998 David Bruce Russian River Valley Pinot Noir nose: slightly smoky, very classic PN fruit, pencil lead, a hint of TCA palate: smooth, good acidity, moderately deep fruit, a trace of oak, long, smooth finish

Jean and I both got a hint of cork taint when it was first opened, but the fruit wasn't obscured so we drank on. As it sat open, it seemed early on to get corkier, but then that went away, so we were left wondering if it was just a green element to the wine. In any event, this was a very pretty wine and it avoided the overripeness so prevalent in the RRV. Dr. Bruce has really found his touch with Pinot Noir. Overall, a very pleasant experience.

Mark Lipton

- D
- Dave
  
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posted
17 years ago

Sat, Sep 2, 2006 2:41 AM

Hi Mark,

Excellent! Thanks for sharing. Had some of the 2000 at a BBQ earlier this spring -- very balanced and a lovely complement to the grilled pork we had.

Best,

David

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- Richard Neidich
  
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posted
17 years ago

Sat, Sep 2, 2006 2:48 AM

Last November my wife and I visited their winery. We spent a night on the bay in Santa Cruz as I had a lecture to give at the university. With a few hours to kill we drove to this winery. This was a nice drive. One of those that I could not find without GPS but having GPS was hard as you climb the mountain and you also lose signal due to tree cover.

When we finally made if to their vineyards we were amazed that he acutally terraced his Santa Cruz Mountain vineyards. That wine from David Bruce was outstanding. Preferred over the Russian River bottlling. Sorry. You got the cheaper one. :-)

Had them ship a case to me shortly after the visit. They had a Rose Sanganee (spelling) that was outstanding. Never really found french ones I liked as much. We had a case of that shipped here as well.

I actually think they have one of the few Cal Pinot's I enjoy.