Notes from the March '09 Michael Skurnik Tasting

I'm so behind, I can't catch up. So to be direct, I've been out tasting. Here's what I've liked and what I didn't like. I zoomed in an out in an hour, so was just looking for ....something. I believe it's just as useful to tell you what I don't like, so both are included. That morning there was a rumor that Cali Pino was getting better. Frankly, I think they should pull out the vines and start all over, but that is obviously an unpopular point of view. Pass the Puzelat please? Peay Vineyards:Sonoma Coast Estate, 2007 Extremely fruit forward. There was something grounding it in reality but, for those who like a sweet thing. Somoma Coast Pomarium Estate 2007 Exuberant but thankfully not cloying and somewhat unfocused, breathy finish, Failla (made by Ehren Jordan) From my notes, not bad. Marked by an orange juice quality. Occidental RIdge Vineyard 2006 has some expression. My notes were lacking, but basically I said if you like California Pinot and also my kind of wines, this will work. HIrsch Vineyard I've yet to have the wine I really liked from this vineyard, or one at least I could drink. There is plenty of power, for sure,not what I'm after though. Long painful finish. For the pinot drinker who hates Burgundy. Domaine de L'Arlot 2006 NSG 1er Cru Clos de Forests Plenty of old lady perfume here, that chanel quality I love so much in burgs. But there was no transparency and I feel the oak, but still. But still. I wouldn't kick it out of bed. Domaine Ferrando Chateauneuf du Pape 2006 Flat, dark, prune, lifeless. Instead, go for the Clos du Mont Olivet 2006 I wrote no notes, just gave it 3 *** and three !!! in my book that means, typical of the beauty chateauneuf can strut. It might be about $45 on the shelves. Domaine Arlaud Burgs Had been seeing these around, fairly priced. Not in my house though. Domaine MARC ROY ** (Never had these Burgundies before , and I really liked them, even though she has a 100% new oak regime. Still.) Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Prieur Some very nice life, and a flash of the savory. Interesting HENRI JOUAN Chambolle-Musigny 2006 at way less than an expensive California pinot I could be drinking this lovely, femine, rose petal number instead. I seemed to like them all but the Clos St. Denis was extremely out of kilter. LOVE WINE OF THE DAY DOMAINE DU TUNNEL Maybe it's the terrific 2007 vintage but the arrow hit my heart here. According to John Livingstone Learmonth's book. Stephane Roberts destems around 60%. The wine is clean, modern in that sense, and the vineyard work and the structure of the wine (without the help of new oak) comes through. St. Peray 2007 all apple and apricot. St. Joseph 2007 muscle. tight. dark fruit and spice. ride em horsee. Cornas Ah, rusticity refined. Finesse and lively acidity. Cornas Vin Noir 2006 I dropped to my knees and prayed. Touch of mint made it way into these 100 year old vines.