2007 Lynmar Estate Zephyr Farms Pinot Noir (94 Points)

VINTAGE

2007

WINERY/PRODUCER

Lynmar Estate

VARIETAL

Pinot Noir

TYPE OF WINE

Red

COMPOSITION

100% Pinot Noir

SUBNAME/NICKNAME

N/A

VINEYARD DESIGNATION

Zephyr Farms

REGION/A.V.A.

Russian River Valley/Sonoma Coast

ALCOHOL CONTENT

14.1%

PRICE PAID

$63

WHERE BOUGHT/HOW PROCURED

Winery’s wine club

BOUQUET

The bouquet on this wine is absolutely gorgeous, revealing fantastic floral characteristics, red and black fruit, spice, suggestions of oak, and, of course, earth.

TASTING NOTES

Flavor-wise, the first things to demand attention are the red and black fruits (tart black cherries, plums, raspberries, and blackberries), along with a truck load of terrior with earth, oak, and herbaceous herbs (Simon & Garfunkel said it best: “(not exactly) Parsley, (but exactly) Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme”) and black pepper sprinkled into the mix. The finish is perfectly well-balanced, with easy-going tannins and acids with a smooth, too-good-to-be-true follow-through. This wine possesses every positive aspect of what a great Central/North Coast Pinot can/should be. There’s the beautiful nose, the deep, complex, sophisticated Pinot Noir flavor profile, along with an elegant structure and a smooth, well-balanced finish.

This is an elegant, yet powerfully delicious, Central Coast Pinot. Before we even took one sip, we knew we were in for a real treat on first whiff. This wine has a beautiful nose, with CLASSIC Central California Pinot Noir traits. Zephyr Farms grows their fruit solely  for Lynmar; Hugh, Lynn, and Paul obviously know a quality vineyard when they’ve found one. If I wanted to bottle a quality Pinot, starting with Zephyr Farms Pinot grapes would be an EXCELLENT place to begin. This is easily one of the best Pinots we’ve had all year. Can’t wait to try Lynmar’s Quail Hill/Bliss Block Pinot at Orange County’s Marche Moderne next week!!!

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

Grilled ribeyes (USDA prime) smothered in Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, along with Wolfgang Puck’s Carrot Cake (which was fabulous).  Since this is a dense, rich, dark, creamy Pinot, this wine would also pair well with prime rib, just about any other steak, as well as curried lamb shanks.

AGING POTENTIAL

Drink now and over the next 5 to 10 years.

SCORE

94

Q.P.R. (QUALITY-TO-PRICE RATIO) (POOR, FAIR, GOOD, EXCELLENT)

GOOD