Tasting Notes, Reviews & Ratings

                        

Talisman Thorn Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma

Coast

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Viticulture & Vinfication Notes: Located southwest of Sebastopol,

Thorn Ridge Vineyard is exposed to 3-5 day cycles of alternate hot

and cold as well as wind, fog and cold air, a climate idea for cultivating

great Pinot Noirs. With low-vigor silt soils the vineyard is planted with Dijon 115, Swan, and Pommard clones. Grapes were harvested and

75% were destemmed (25% remained as whole clusters) before fermentation began. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and

was barrel aged in 60% new and 40% 1-year old French oak.

Yields: 1.7 tons/acre. Limited production.

The 2004 Vintage:    

Notes From The Winemaker: Talisman's 2004 Thorn Ridge Pinot Noir

is a serious Pinot lover's wine. The spicy nose is layered with Bing

cherry and damp forest floor aromas and a flavor profile to match.

The mouthfeel is structured, yet round and viscous. This balanced

wine finished with a grippy tannic backbone and a very persistent

finish.

The 2005 Vintage:  

Notes From The Winemaker: The nose of the 2005 Thorn Ridge Pinot

Noir is a complex mélange of black plum, red cherry, and a hint of strawberry overlaid on an alluring core of tarry bass notes. The mouth

is both structured and voluptuously mouthwatering with notes of Bing cherry and a slight "hint of corruption" of the sort that lends interest

and complexity to the finest perfumes. Dark cherry fruit lingers from

the initial entry into a very long, persistent finish.

Pinot Report: 93 Points. Medium-deep ruby color; deep dark cherry aromas with earth and savory spice notes; ripe, rich, stewed dark

cherry flavors with herbs and savory spice notes; sweet oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Complex Pinot with incredible depth and nuance—needs a good hour to open up.