2009 Littorai Pinot Noir Platt Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(13.6% alcohol, from a crop level of just a ton an acre, according to winemaker Ted Lemon): Good deep red. Explosive aromas of black raspberry, orange pekoe tea, bitter chocolate, pepper and spices. Dense, sweet and firmly structured, with peppery acidity giving lift to the slightly high-toned black fruit and spice flavors. A flamboyant pinot noir with a peppery, serious finish featuring dusty tannins and very good grip. This fruit was totally destemmed.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Pinot Noir Platt Vineyard shares a similar dark ruby color as well as tart, crisp acids and hints of damp earth intermixed with underbrush, raspberries and black cherries. This medium-bodied, refreshing, perfumed Pinot should age easily for 5-7 years. (Not yet released) Winemaker/proprietor Ted Lemon has one of the most impressive resumes in California having produced Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in that state as well as previously working in Burgundy. His wines consistently represent the best of California’s ripeness combined with Burgundy’s finesse and elegance. His Chardonnay vineyards are all planted in cool micro-climates and his wines are all beautifully made, crisp, elegant, flavorful whites. Moreover, in 2008, Lemon had serious frost issues with nearly one-third of his crop wiped out at Thieriot. Even more extensive damage occurred at the Haven Vineyard. The cool 2009 growing season certainly favored all the Burgundian varietals which was evidenced by what Ted Lemon has achieved with his stylish, elegant 2009 Pinot Noirs. Tel. (707) 823-9586; Fax (707) 823-9589
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.