TN 2008 Broadley Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

[Houndsong]

I liked this wine, particulalry on day two, although it did not remind me of the 2006 Broadley Estate.

This was medium bodied as far as my west coast pinot experience goes. The fruit is pretty forward and in the cranberry/citrus vein. There is also some strawberry sweetness, some cola, and a slight medicinal thing. There was also a curious near-gassy sensation to the wine immediately after opening it. The bouqet had a peculiar though not obnoxious stemmy/vegetal/acrid component. The texture was both crunchy and chalky. Despite the foregoing it seemed a bit one-dimensional. Not nearly as rich/bouncy/juicy/exuberant as the 2006 Estate. I thought it added some sweetness and depth/complexity and softened somewhat overnight. Anyway it aspires more towards the acidic/bright end of the pinot spectrum and despite its fruitiness is not like some of the darker, riper, and sweeter entries from this price point on down.

[Claret]

Hound, I opened my ITNOS bottle last week. It was really tight and after decanting for 2-3 hours it started to open up, but never fully blossomed.

The medium body was apparent along with the shy red fuits. but I did not sense any peculiar qualities. I am not a fan of cola laced PN and did not find any Pepsi.

My general sense is that my bottle was in need of 1-2 years of rest before it settles down and starts to show some of the alluring Broadley style. This is a good $19 wine that I will probably purchase a couple of more bottles for the cellar. The 2005 is drinking really well now considering the vintage is known for structured wines.

Glenn

[JCNorthway]

The comparison between the 06 and 08 is interesting. I've heard that the 06 vintage is pretty fruit forward and ready to drink now, while the 08 is more structured and will require some time to come into its own. It sounds as though these notes bear that out - on a sample of one producer.

Jon

[Claret]

Jon, yes 2006 was a hot fruity vintage with higher alcohol and lower acids than usual. My early tasting impression of the vintage was not so great, but the better wines have started to integrate and show encouraging balance along with the ripe fruit. It is a vintage destined to be drunk over the near to mid term.

My research indicates that 2008 will need some cellar time to start to shine. I am looking forward to my return to the Willamette Valley next September and tastng many 2008"s after they start to settle down. 2008 Oregon PN will be the focus of my buying for the next year. I ordered a case and a half of Le Cadeau today.

The early outlook on 2009 is also positive.

Glenn

[Houndsong]

I'd agree that some bottle rest won't hurt this, although I bought it for a "ready" wine. I guess it's the acidity making this seem pretty rigid/one dimensional right now (albeit enjoyable with air time). It's not what I'd call a tart acidity but a forceful acidity, if that makes any sense.