What's Laird Drinking Now?

Last Thursday night we went over to chateau Asam for a long overdue visit. Always great hosts, Kerry and Christian, served grilled steak salads and an appetizer pizza. After the kids went down we sat outside enjoying the autumn air and a few wines.

2007 Chehalem Three vineyards Pinot Noir Oregon: Horse merde and cranberry nose with a good dose of earth. Montmorency Cherries in the mouth with hints of black truffle and purple flowers; this is rather vinous in style.

2007 Paraiso Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands: much broader and more lush than the Chehalem, almost opulent. It has good acids along with loads of ripe red & black cherries. With air plum, saddle leather, barnyard funk, and a hint of poppy flower make an appearance as well. This is easily the best Paraiso I have had. In the past their wine always struck me as a value, but rather indifferent. In 2007 they have crafted a wine that tastes like it is worth seeking out for flavor, not just a price point.

2007 Foley Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills: This has a nose of wet hay and a blast of purple fruits. Allspice, clove, and a medicinal quality take over the mouth. Easily the biggest and heaviest of this trio, this is a tad too rich for me, but I know in the right setting it would please many. There is a lot of fruit and plenty of oak so if you like the thicker more glycerol style, pick some up.

Sitting out back on Christian and Kerry’s patio with friends, a starry night, and their perpetual breeze is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Hope to do it again soon.