|  Made
in a classic SRH style, a vibrantly fruity, silky young
Pinot, front-loaded for early drinking. Shows clean,
brightly intense cherry, raspberry, rosehip tea, cola
and Asian spicebox flavors, with a long, dry finish.
90 Points
 A
handful of GrapeNutz visited the estate vineyard in
August 2006 and tasted the 2005 vintage wine as individual
barrel samples, as well as getting a sneak preview of
what was to be the final blends.
"...a commanding view looking north
toward the Santa Rosa Hills, and slightly west to the
Santa Rita Hills. From this upper bench, we went down
to look at the lower vineyard. It was a steep drop down
the side of the hill on the east side of the property,
and some of us elected to traverse the hill to bottom,
while the rest of us drove a couple of cars down to
the lower vineyard via an access road. Steve has the
property farmed by Central Coast wizard, Jeff Newton,
and pays Jeff's minimum fee to keep him involved - which
is a statement in itself about Steve's determination
to get the best fruit."
2005 Prodigal Pinot Noir - Sta. Rita
Hills.
This was the final blend on the Appellation bottling.
Lots of black cherry and wild strawberry aromas in the
nose. Edgy and structured in mouthfeel, this shows huge
potential.
2005 Prodigal Pinot Noir - Estate, Sta.
Rita Hills.
This final blend on the Estate bottling is 60% 777 and
40% 667. Much more to the black cherry side of things,
with a very smooth and refined mouthfeel and very nice
long finish.
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here to read the full article.
 The
Prince of Pinot also paid us a visit in Spring 2007.
"...his project is a work in progress.
I was impressed by his wine knowledge and scientific
background which should hold him in good stead. In addition,
Mary is developing a sophisticated wine palate, and
her contributions to blending decisions will be invaluable."
2005 Prodigal Sta. Rita Hills
Appellation Pinot Noir
Aging was in a mixture of new and neutral French oak
barrels (made in the USA by World Cooperage of Missouri)
for 12-16 months. This is a polished wine with delicate
cherry, tea, and pepper flavors. Tannins are reined
in, and it finishes with a tangy acidic edge.
2005 Prodigal Quinta Santa Rosa
Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
A richer and more creamy Pinot than the one above, it
has a velvety mouth feel and bright red fruits on a
long finish. A very attractive ethereal style.
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here to read the full article.
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