TN: Cameron Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2006

B

Bill Averett

Bill Averett
I tasted this 6 months ago, and it was still in bottle shock and never came around. But tonight, this young boy was out to play. John Paul is a huge proponent of not irrigating vines, and he proudly states so on the bottle.

The color is a dark red plum; slightly murky. Vibrant fruity nose of black cherries, wildflowers, allspice, earth, forest floor, and a hint of orange zest. In the mouth, very soft, like high thread count sheets. Black cherry and plum, balanced with acidity. A medium long finish reveals some fuzzy tannins, and hints of more citrus fruits(by way of acidity).

This wine is very pretty. We enjoyed it with salmon marinated in dijon, honey and thyme; asparagus and roasted potatoes.

Because of the hot vintage, the fruit is center stage. I enjoyed this young, vigorous Pinot Noir, but I miss the classic earthiness indicative to John Paul's past wines.
 
Hi Bill,

I had the '06 Abbey Ridge a few weeks ago, which was my first experience with Cameron. Having had enjoyed the '06 Thomas just a week before that, I was excited about what good producers could do in 2006. Unfortunately, I found the Abbey Ridge nothing but over-ripe and alcoholic, which was quite a surprise to me, given Cameron's reputation. Perhaps it just needs time. I have six of them, so I'll certainly find out. Have you had this wine?
 
Thanks for the TN Bill. I found the 06 Cameron DH quite ripe and a little too sweet. Have only had one bottle of 06 Abbey Ridge but my take was much more positive. I'm a little surprised at your experience with it Arjun. Quite ripe for Cameron...absolutely no doubt. After tasting dozens of riper and hotter 2006 OR Pinots this Summer & Fall (i.e.: Bethel Heights, Cristom, St. I...every single solitary one was too ripe/hot), the Cameron Arley's, AR, and Clos were among the very few 06 OR Pinots I purchased. Hope your remaining bottles show better.

RT
 
I have some 2006 Clos Electrique and Arley's Leap that I'm holding onto and I will probably pick up some Abbey Ridge as well. I agree with RT; I have tasted a lot riper and sweeter from 2006. If you don't like the Cameron, stop buying 2006. The Dundee Hills reported 12.5%. I found despite the ripeness, John Paul still managed to capture the acidity. I only have 1 bottle left, and I will hold it for about another year. I suspect the ripeness to go down a bit.

No other OR producer had balance like this for 2006 IMO. Maybe J K Carriere. Winderlea was sleak, but very balanced when I drank their 2006 Estate. I like DePonte's 2006. I have not tasted Belle Pente's 2006's but I bet they did well.

Where everyone else reported over 14%, I think John Paul did great with how hot the vintage was. Fruitier than other years for sure, but the balance is amazing.
 
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