[question] Question submitted by Pat Manning, Australia Yering Station Pinot Noir 2007 Jeremy Oliver: Smoke-affected to an obvious degree, this otherwise restrained pinot does deliver some light berry and cherry fruit backed by cedar/vanilla oak with some meaty floral notes, but sadly finishes flat, bitter and drying, with a stale, ashtray notes.(15.2/83, YTD 2008-2009) James Halliday Stronger colour than many from ’07; likewise, more powerful than prior vintages, with tannins quite evident, although not excessive; plum and black fruits will hold the palate for the longer term. Screwcap. 13% alc. Rating 94 Drink 2014 $26 Date Tasted Aug 08 Winewise Magazine December 2008, Page 27 A Very Impressive pinot with strong dark cherry varietal character and a hint of slightly charry oak. The length, structure and fineness of tannins are impressive. A serious pinot noir. ($22) Excellent Value 13% Screwcap. [/question] [answer] Thanks Pat. I’m used to this. A significant number of my peers appear not to be able to identify smoke taint in wine. I guess I’m pretty sensitive to it and probably because for several years I shared office space with a company now called Memstar, whose equipment can remove smoke taint from wine, to some measure. I have tasted dozens of wines before and after treatment, and reckon I’m pretty well up to speed with it. Incidentally, most Australian winemakers can’t pick it either. [/answer]
