2 Great Pinot Noirs on this snow day in Minnneapolis

2012 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir Rapley Trail Vineyard – USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (4/14/2018)
Day 1: Almost drank all of the 2012 Witness Tree Pinot on day 1 so decided to try something from Cali to compare. More Burgundian with earth, floral, stone and red currants on the nose. The palate is very pleasant with nice minerality, cranberries, spices and floral notes. Medium plus finish. Outstanding! 93 points
Day 2: This one will also not make it to day 3. Solid on day 2 but also has lost some of its fruit. Drink day 1.
Recommendation: Drink on day 1 on a pop and pour. This could age for 2 or 3 years but would not recommend beyond that. (93 points)

2012 Witness Tree Vineyard Pinot Noir Vintage Select – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (4/14/2018)
Day 1: Absolutely brilliant! This wine is drinking so well I don’t know that I will get 3 days out of it. A harmony of fruits and earth elements. Nose is aromatic with cranberries, strawberry, spices and rose petals. Palate is juicy fruit along with spices, floral and minerals. Finish is medium plus and acidity is laser sharp. At 14.2% alcohol you get no heat on this wine. This is probably the best day 1 tasting of a wine all year. Definitely a top 10 candidate for 2018. 93 points plus!
Day 2: Not as good but still solid. More earth elements than the great fruit from day 1.
Recommendatoin: Pop and pour and enjoy. (93 points)

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