Wow, you are very attentive and detail-oriented aren’t you? I did mean to use the plural version of the word Winner, because we had a tie at the top and, NO, we didn’t wuss out and crown a wine for each location just to be safe 
I guess this can happen with so few “judges” but I think both wines are very deserving. This weekend we arranged a blind throwdown to pit Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley against those from Willamette Valley just for a bit of fun and to educate the palates a little further in the process. Here were the results:
T1st – 2006 Willakenzie Estate Kiana (WV) - $45 - Very light in color compared the rest of the lineup, tart cherries on the nose with just a little warmth as well as a hint of herbs, possibly mint. The texture was very fine on the mouthfeel though I would still consider the body at a medium level. The acidity was perfect leading to a long finish.
T1st – 2006 C. Donatiello Russian River Valley (RRV) - $38 – The only cuvee of the evening. The nose was a little spicy and reminded me of jerky, with cherries and other red fruits. The palate presented cherries, raspberry and hint of chocolate. This was well-balanced as well with good tannins and long finish.
3rd - 2007 Papapietro Perry Peter’s Vineyard (RRV) – $49 – Literally only one point behind the winners, the aromas on this PP were just crazy (!) and separated it as unique among the competitors. It had a very herbaceous nose and we all couldn’t really nail down specific herbs, but we settled on eucalyptus. Black cherries and spice were there too. Great acidity gave it a little zing, but a slight bitter ending probably cost it the crown.
4th - 2006 Bergstrom de Lancellotti (WV)- $60 – Darkest hue of them all, but with interesting mushroom, forest floor and vanilla aromas. A second round of tastings surfaced some licorice as well. The palate was luscious with black cherries and cassis, but a little bitter at the end too. I think this could/should have been decanted and could have blossomed more on this evening.
5th - 2007 Halleck Vineyard Estate (Sonoma Coast)- $75 - OK! I know, this isn’t technically RRV, though you can see the valley from the Halleck’s deck since this Estate vineyard is only 1 acre that surrounds their house in Sebastopol. There were differing opinions and scores on this wine which was the lightest in color and body. Light cherries and earth on the nose, with bright cherries and some spice on the palate. Still a very good wine.
6th - 2007 Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard (WV)- $55 – This one disappointed me and the wife since we are big Penner-Ash fanatics. But, it just wasn’t to be this night. The hue was very light and elegant, but the nose was hot and smoky. The acidity seemed a little to me on this one too, so it just didn’t score well against the rest of the lineup and everyone agreed in the scoring.
Overall, Russian River Valley was a little stronger on this evening for these tasters. It’s also VERY interesting to note that the two least expensive selections took the top prize.
By the way, the Pancetta, Mushroom and Baby Spinach Risotto with Asiago cheese was a success though we did not specifically pair each the wines directly with the food. I will have a follow up video of the process of making a fine Risotto. Note: stirring arm was a little fatigued but I survived.
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Penner-Ash! Denied!
Glad your risotto arm is still attached.
At least most of your WV wines were 06. The 07 vintage has proven to be very underwhelming so far. I’ve also seen where the 07 vintage from RRV has been excellent. Great review and write up.
Were the tastings done blind?
Josh
The pancetta, Mushroom and Baby Spinach Risotto with Asiago cheese was indeed a success, very nice job Ed! It was very tasty and apropos with the rain and cooler weather.
I really enjoyed the ’07 Papa and give a slight nod to RRV (damn Commies!) for the evening. I’m thinking rematch, we host round 2 at our crib and the best of 3 wins!
Thanks fellas! Josh, I have quite a bit of 2007s in the cellar as well. But, since our trip to Oregon back in 2008, I will agree that I have been blown away with the Pinots coming from RRV. Yes, they were blind.
_
Jason, it’s a deal!
I predict that soon you will be adding Anderson Valley Pinots to to mix…
Deb, you know it!
Lots of rain around harvest in ’07 in the Willamette Valley. Some of the better winemakers from Oregon, Lynn Penner-Ash especially among them, who were able to weather the storm believe this contributed to more elegance. I had a rep from Domaine Serene with me this past week and we were tasting a lineup of mostly ’06s (all receiving 92+ from various publications) and one ’07 with a couple Piemdontese winemakers (don’t ask me to explain why). They really focused in on the ’07, even though it was the least expensive (at a value $40 retail) for it’s elegance and charm. Secondly, they were dumbfounded by the prices these wines fetched apparently either too arrogant or unaware of how expensive Barolo is in the US.
Anyway, you can look forward to the ’08s, because they will be exceptional. Mark Vlossak, the winemaker from St Innocent, said his ’08 Shea Vyd is at this point in its evolution the greatest PN he’s ever made.
Theo, thanks for chiming in here. Good info regarding the 2007 weather issues for Oregon. I look forward to the ’08s for sure!
Wow, what a fantastic and exciting lineup! That’s one tasting panel I sure I could have been a part of! #PinotNoir is gonna be some smackdown, drag out brawl—can’t wait!!
Ed,
Surprised to see Penner Ash at the bottom myself. I still believe that the WV is the king or queen of Pinot in the whole wide world. What is your take on Santa Rita Hills Pinot? Also, to Josh, I do believe that the 07 vintage is just coming into form for OR. Be patient. Nice meeting you on Red Mtn as well.
Tamara, Clive…thanks for the comments. It was pretty phenomenal. Of course, it was also a little expensive unfortunately, but mostly worth it. I agree Clive that WV is a leader in the Pinot space, but I am finding my tastes are beginning to lean towards the more delicate and fruity CA wines lately, but I will never stop loving WV.