What's the HoseMaster Drinking?

Alesia 2007 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

It's a Pinot Noir world right now, at least in California, and since we are clearly the most self-absorbed of states, that's all that matters. California sets the trends for the entire country, if not the entire planet. It all starts here--bankruptcy, Google, pornography, foreclosures, Twitter, smog, Scientology--the Seven Modern Horsemen of the Apocalypse. There are so many amazing grapes in the world I almost hate to write about Pinot Noir, but, then, yesterday, it was what the HoseMaster was drinking. And loving. I've written before about the wonderful wines being produced by Rhys Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. "Alesia" is the Rhys Vineyard label for the Pinot Noirs produced from purchased fruit. The Rhys wines are breathtaking and very much worth the search. If you're not on his mailing list and you love Pinot Noir, well, what the hell are you waiting for? Phys on Earth? And if you're just offered Alesia Pinot Noirs at first, jump on them. The 2007 Sonoma Coast is as pure and as pretty as a castrato singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." OK, I don't know what that means either. But from first sniff to last, the Alesia is focused on black cherry, rose petal and lavender aromas that leap from the glass, caress your nose and call you Barbra. It has vibrant fruit that is still rather tightly wound, but the intensity and structure of the wine would lead me to believe its best days are ahead of it. Think of this wine as the prettiest girl in the room. The one you want to take home and spend hours with, but, sure, right, like you've got a chance in Lodi of that happening. This is a tremendous wine for $35.


The HoseMaster Score 803,777 Points


Disclaimer: Read my lips. No gnu taxes. Kudus for that.