2005 Failla Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(from vines planted in 1998) Good bright ruby-red; the deepest color of these '05 pinots. Very primary aromas of wild black fruits, licorice and underbrush; smells like a thoroughly ripe wine from a cool site. Rich, broad, tactile and dry, with a dusty minerality to the flavors of sappy red cherry and flowers. Still a bit clenched and grapey: will this blossom in the bottle? Finishes with a hint of black pepper. Shows very good depth for young vines.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Revealing the densest color, the 2005 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge was fashioned from French Dijon clones 667, 777, and 115. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by a big, sweet bouquet of black raspberries, cherries, cola, and blackberries. Opulent, full-bodied, rich, and impressively endowed, it will benefit from a year or two of bottle age, and should keep for a decade. Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay Estate (92), 2004 Chardonnay Keefer Ranch (91), 2004 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard (92), 2004 Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch (90), 2004 Syrah Estate (93), 2004 Syrah Phoenix Ranch (91), 2004 Viognier (90). Tel. (707) 942-4699; Fax (707) 942-5142