The 2009 Pinot Noir The Haven is beautifully focused from start to finish. Subtle floral notes are woven throughout a core of expressive dark red and black fruit. There is plenty of generosity and mid-palate juiciness. This is another of the more fruit-driven, juicy wines in 2009, but there is also plenty of underlying minerality to provide support. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021.
I was totally blown away by the wines I tasted with proprietor Ted Lemon. These are some of the most refined, polished Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs being made in California today. I can’t recommend the wines highly enough. Lemon describes 2009 as a mild season with prolonged bloom that resulted in considerable shatter and a high amount of shot berries. There was no real heat to speak of in September. The 2010s were harvested during the first two weeks of October, much later than the 2009s. I also tasted a handful of 2010 Pinots from tank that appear promising, even if stylistically they aren’t as generous as the 2009s.
Tel. (707) 823-9586; www.littorai.com