This Pinot Noir from all Dijon clones is often much darker than the Beaux Frères Vineyard. The 2007 Upper Terrace is very similar to the dark ruby color of the 2007 Beaux Frères Vineyard. That is where the similarities end. Though it is the most aromatically backward of our three 2007 offerings, it hints of earth, spice, forest floor and underbrush intertwined with dark black cherries and raspberries. On the palate one can detect a fuller style of wine with more structure, muscle and density than the other two cuvées. At this time it is showing less of its outright seduction and charm, nevertheless, there is a lot going on in this wine which always reminds us of a grand cru from the northern end of Burgundy's Côtes du Nuits. The tannins are silky but the weight of the wine is clearly more dramatic. This wine will benefit from one to two years of bottle age before consuming and should evolve effortlessly for at least 15 years. |