98 Thomas, Pinot

[Florida Jim]

With a lunch of cold cuts, cheeses, crackers, nuts and olives:

1998 Thomas, Pinot Noir :

To some this wine will have the smell of stems and a thin mouth feel; not I.

This is where I live. The nose has clear, earthy scents that dominate, but it is accented by some gun powder, cherry, neutral wood, warm leaves and cake spice; excellent complexity. The palate is alive and bright with forest floor, strawberry and cherry fruit, lovely spice tones and leaf-ish flavors. Light bodied but carrying more oomph than such body would suggest; intense, clean, focused and structured – I think this wine will last a very long time.

This wine is not for everyone and those that prefer Loring, Siduri, Roar or other California pinots should not bother; this is so much homage to the earth and its particular place . . . well, I doubt I would miss it tasted blind. Think very mature Burgundy; maybe Chambolle or Morey with thirty years on it.

Whatever; this is my preference in pinot, every time. Superb with the food.

About $30, delivered on release.

Best, Jim