2009 Chasseur Pinot Noir Umino
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Tasting notes
Saturated ruby. Deeply pitched, explosive aromas of black raspberry, Indian spices, chocolate and cocoa powder, complicated by intriguing potpourri and mineral nuances. Rich, sweet and deep, with a silky texture and palate-staining red and dark berry preserve and rose flavors. Shows alluring sappiness on the long, penetrating finish, which strongly echoes the spice and floral notes. This wine reminded me of a (very) high-end, new-school Vosne-Romanee.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The deep ruby/purple-colored 2009 Pinot Noir Umino cuts a deeper, broader mouthfeel. It reveals sweet raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of earth, spice and largely obscured oak as well as tangy acids, which seem to be a hallmark of this vintage. This medium to full-bodied, pure, fresh, lively Pinot should drink well for 7-8 years. Chasseur is a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist, and a fine one at that. What follows is not the entire portfolio, but it is a relatively comprehensive look at four Chardonnays and then a bevy of Pinot Noirs from both the 2008 and 2009 vintages. I was able to taste eight already bottled 2009 Pinot Noirs and nine 2008s. The 2008s include several generic bottles such as the Russian River and Sonoma Coast offerings. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs primarily come from Russian River sites with the Joyce from the Sonoma Coast. The alcohol levels range from a low of 14% to a high of 15%, and production levels are modest with several in the 75-125 case range. Tel. (707) 829-1941