04 Calera Pinot Noir Mills Vineyard & '11 Brittan Pinot Noir Basalt Block

Two fine examples, respectively, of California and Oregon Pinot Noir.  Paired with Chicken Dijon and San Marzano tomato salad. Slow-o'd both for a couple of hours.  

Big fan of Josh Jensen's heritage pinot noir.  The '04 Calera Mills was showing spectacularly well. Satiny, floral aromatics are sublime (much more robust than the '05 Mills) .... the captivating nose keeps you coming back for more and more.... setting the stage for the beautifully sweet, minerally raspberry palate with mellow spice and mushroom accents. Sort of reminded me a bit of Joe Rochioli's great wines. My only knock is at 15% alc, the finish is very slightly warm. 

My first foray with Robert Brittan's wines... the '11 Basalt Block is definitely on the young side.  Voluptuous tart cherry fruit in tension with nice framework of acidity and spice.  Very nicely balanced at 13.2% alc... really looking forward to revisiting this in 3 or 4 years...   There's a lot that will come together in this wine...