2006 HALLBERG PINOT NOIR
Beautifully oaked and full of tightly coiled fruit strength, the nose of this clearly very youthful Pinot offers scents of sweet red and dark cherries, panetone, subtle smoky notes, vanilla and hints of white pepper in a focused and intriguing mix. It is tighter on the palate, but just as focused, with Bing cherry, panetone and lots of tobacconist shop spice. Needing three to six years to reveal all its dimensions, it will drink brilliantly within the next twelve to eighteen months. 295 cases produced.
Winemakers Notes: These grapes were picked at night, hand-sorted and destemmed. They cold soaked for 5 days before going through whole berry fermentation receiving 2 punch-downs per day. Fermentation took 12 days in a open top 5 ton fermentation tank and the wine was then racked to barrels.
2006 Clone 828 Pinot Noir
Deep, dark and impressive, the aromas of this distinctive Pinot are of boysenberry, red plum, cherry liqueur, minerals, black tea, smoke, earth and a panetone-like hint of bready-fruity spice. It is full and quite forthcoming on the palate and has a sinewy mouthfeel, as its flavors of black tea, minerally-earthy spice, crushed rose and boysenberry fan out on the palate. Super long and well braced with tannin, the finish reinforces the wines general impressions of deep flavor and coiled strength. It should be brilliant right now with a great beef roast, but will surely improve for several years. 266 cases produced.
Winemakers Notes: These grapes were picked at night, hand-sorted and destemmed then cold soaked for 5 days before going through whole berry fermentation and receiving 2 punch-downs per day. Fermentation took approximately 12 days in a open top 5 ton fermentation tank and the wine was then racked to barrels.
2006 THE FARM PINOT NOIR
Much tighter than the flamboyant 2005 Farm bottling, this one should prove bigger as well, and for the time being its aromas of floral-accented strawberry, dry rose and dried orange peel lag slightly behind its rich vanilla, smoke and earth notes. It is round, rich and firmly structured on the palate, showing polish and style, but plenty of tannin and strength as well. The finish is long and dense, with emerging cherry, boysenberry, vanilla and earth notes. This is a very fine and obviously ageworthy bottling, but it may take a year or two to become as forthcoming as last years version. 250 cases produced.
Winemakers Notes: These grapes were picked at night, hand-sorted and destemmed. They cold soaked for 5 days before going through whole berry fermentation receiving 2 punch-downs per day. Fermentation took 12 days in a open top 5 ton fermentation tank and were then racked to barrels.
Connoisseur’s Guide Reviews:
Pinot Noir Clone 828 Sonoma Coast 2006
92 Points
Intense and concentrated yet so full of bright red cherry scents and the engaging smells of wild flowers, creamy oak and even a hint of berries, the aromas accurately presage the young, vibrant flavors that follow with great exuberance on the palate. Balance and precision are equal partners as well, and the wine does not let down anywhere from front to back. Withal, it is bit tight at this writing, and we would commend this wine to the cellar for several years while it grows into itself.
Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley 2006
89 Points
The clear winner among its mates if ripeness and concentration is the first order of business, this expressive, full-bodied, fleshy-textured bottling has somewhat sweeter, deeper flavors than its mates and, not unexpectedly, is considerably more compelling for nearer-term drinking. The late-arriving heat is also expected, and it will not be a problem when this wine is served alongside savory beef roasts with a rich gravy.
Pinot Noir The Farm Vineyards Russian River Valley 2006
91 Points
The lightest of the Halleck four, this wine is an elegant, complex wine whose mix of sweet red cherry fruit comes with attractive notes of loam, cola and mild hints of cocoa. It is almost full in body but is also very well-balanced and has a nice lively quality to its ripe fruit and oak-enriched flavors. Those looking for more strength and sap in their Pinots need only choose either of the other Hallecks, but those in search of something to accompany a thick-cut veal chop will be happy.