DaleW wrote:

> Wednesday we flew south to Atlanta to spend Thanksgiving with my
> family. Thursday AM I went to the local Krogers to get something to
> have with dinner (typical Southern Thanksgiving fare- turkey, giblet
> dressing, gravy, ham, turnips, turnip greens, green beans, assorted
> casseroles). I chose the 2001 Saintsbury Pinot Noir (Carneros), as I
> had liked previous vintages (and the '01 Reserve). Upon opening, I
> rechecked label to ensure I hadn't somehow picked up the entry-level
> Garnet bottling - nope, regular Carneros. This was a bit lean and thin.
> Sharp black cherry fruit framed - almost overwhelmed - by toasty oak.
> Maybe just needs time, but I wonder if all the best fruit went into the
> Reserve this year. Still, an ok if austere PN for my tastes (my
> fruit-loving brother doesn't even finish his glass). B-

That's a bummer about the Saintsbury, and I hope that it doesn't augur
for a change in direction for them. Like you, I've been a fan of their
Pinots for many years now, and I'd hate to lose them as a reliable source.

Mark Lipton