Loring Wine Company Release ALERT - 2008 pinot noir

As you can see, it is that time of the year, and the mailers are coming in faster than the e-mail server can deliver one. For those of you who like us, are big fans of Loring, here is the latest and greatest from their release. These are great wines, so check out Brian's website at: http://www.loringwinecompany.com/ Cheers!

2006 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard

Also had this on New Year’s Eve after having an ’06 Siduri from Clos Pepe as well. This seemed to drink in a similar style to the Siduri, and I actually ended up rating them both exactly the same. This was my first ’06 Clos Pepe from Loring, so I didn’t have a previous bottle to compare it to. This bottle was unscrewed and left open over the course of 2 hours at cellar temperature. Very similar ruby/garnet color as the Siduri, with a nose black cherry and tons of spice. You could also smell the alcohol on the nose, and it was definitely more prevalent than the Siduri. Once this wine came up to room temperature, there were more strawberry and earth tones to it, as well as some red fruits, but again, nothing stood out. On the palate, there was again some tart black fruit, with subtle hints of raspberry, strawberry and cherry. No hints of cola whatsoever in this bottle, but again some nice acidity and a bit of tannin. The alcohol came through a bit on the finish, and just proves that this could really use a good 3-4 hour splash decant, or an aggressive decant. Good pinot, but I don’t know if it is worth the price tag at this point. This seems to be more and more of a reality for me with ’06 pinot, but who knows. Regardless, still nice to drink, but not the Loring that I have grown to love. 89 points.

RELEASE ALERT - Loring Wine Company

Here's a release alert that I received this morning. Kudos to Brian for the success he has gained making some great juice! These are their highest scores yet! If you're interested in picking up my entire allocation, drop me an e-mail as I don't have the funds to do so. Nobody said the military paid us all that well! =) Maybe next year!

2007 Aubaine Vineyard Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo Co 350 Cases - 14.1 % Alcohol Wine Spectator Score: 93. Bright, vivid, intense and concentrated blackberry and wild berry fruit has floral and spicy edges, with a tight structured focus, firming up nicely on the finish where the tannins are full-bodied. Drink now through 2014. James LaubePrice: $46.00 Limit: 6 2007 Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 275 Cases - 14.0 % Alcohol Wine Spectator Score: 91Intense, vibrant and full-bodied, with spicy, minerally wild berry, sage and cedar notes that are pure and delicate, ending with firm tannins. Drink now through 2014. -James Laube. Price: $46.00 Limit: 6 2007 Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 800 Cases - 14.9 % Alcohol Wine Spectator Score: 94. Offers wonderful purity of fruit. Ripe, rich, intense and focused, with tiers of currant, black cherry and blueberry fruit that are simply delicious. Supple, layered and complex. Long and lingering on the finish. Drink now through 2014. -James Laube. Price: $46.00 Limit: 12 2007 Russell Family Vineyard Pinot Noir, Paso Robles 725 Cases - 14.4 % Alcohol Wine Spectator Score: 93. Tight and concentrated on full-bodied blackberry and wild berry fruit that shows a hint of mocha and spice, with floral notes and firm tannins that beg for short-term cellaring. There's a wonderful finish of pure dark fruit. Drink now through 2014. -James Laube Price: $46.00Limit: 6 2007 Rancho La Vina Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 175 Cases - 14.5 % Alcohol Wine Spectator Score: 93 Rich and spicy, tight and full-bodied, with a sleek mix of mineral, black cherry, wild berry, floral, nutmeg and savory scents that are well-balanced, pure and long on the finish. Drink now through 2014. -James LaubePrice: $46.00 Limit: 2 2007 Pinot Noir Preset Mixed Case Wine Spectator Scores: 94, 93, 93, 93, & 91 The case consists of 4 bottles of Clos Pepe, 2 bottles of Rancho La Vina, 2 bottles of Russell Family, 2 bottles of Aubaine, and 2 bottles of Cargasacchi. (Substitutions not allowed) Price: $480.00 Limit: 3