2001 Medici Estate East Block Pinot Noir
I know Hal Medici prefers his 2002, but at least as of right now, I would rather be drinking this one. Light to medium in body, with pretty red and black fruit and nice clove-like spiciness, this paired quite nicely with the roast leg of lamb. Aroma of dried strawberry with a hint of toast and vanilla and that funky smell that my friend Rob likes to call “Pinot Stink”. Nice bright food and a sweet raspberry finish.
It is drinking really, really well and I expect it is pretty close to its peak.
2001 is a funny vintage that a lot of the locals, my boss included, don’t like. It was cool and damp and most of the wines are light in color and extraction. I can’t rightly say I remember what they were like when released, but I find I like the vintage a great deal, particularly for food-friendliness. I think I just might try to find a little more of this wine.