SCMV Estate PN '89 w/dinner

[Peter Creasey]

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir '89 -- Dark with no edge fade, generous bouquet with a little funk initially that blew away, red and black fruits, surprising fullness and staying power, really excellent showing of a 32-year-old Pinot. [E - O]

Sidelight comment. I emailed Ken Burnap and Jeff Emery beforehand to ask their opinion of this bottling today. Jeff replied that it has been and is one of their all-time favorites and recommended a 2-hour decant (which really surprised me). I didn't have the nerve to do 2 hours, but in retrospect, it would have been fine.

Superb accompaniment with grilled quail and broiled cauliflower and okra.

. . . . . . . Pete

 

[Peter Creasey]

And Jeff's follow-up comments...

Peter, I'm so happy it was everything you wanted it to be. That wine is a great example of why people should NEVER apply vintage declarations about a given wine in California. 1989 was a terrible year in Napa Valley and the wine pundits damned the entire vintage - it was actually quite hard to sell a wine with that vintage on the label, never mind that we are three hours away and in a totally different climate. 1989 was one of the best vintages ever in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Best wishes, - Jeff

. . . . . . . Pete