Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 2008

From yields a mere twenty percent of normal, the 2005 Pinot Noir vintage is the smallest crop in sixty years. On the positive side, the wine is serious with red-black color, sappy aromas of plum, iron and magical Pinot Noir earthiness. Youthful and primary on the palate it exhibits stuffing galore. The extreme low yield of this vintage is apparent in the fullness of the mid-palate. This is a rare thing in classic Pinot Noir yet always a sign of future greatness.

With the small production of just over 100 cases, it is available only through the winery.

Production

126

Tech Notes

Sorry, technical notes are not available for this vintage.

Reviews

91 (+?) points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar - November/December 2007

Fresh raspberry and candied cherry aromas are youthfully exuberant, with bright floral and mineral qualities adding energy.  Vibrant red fruit flavors display a cool personality, with exotic blood orange and succulent herbs building with air.  I really like its energy and fruitiness.

89 points Wine Enthusiast Magazine  - July 2008

Mount Eden’s ’05 shows refreshing acidity that livens the palate, and makes the cherry, cola, red currant and mocha flavors vibrant.  Could develop additional bottle complexities, but it’s so silky and elegant, it’s probably at its best now and for a couple of years.—S.H.

88 points Wine Spectator  - June 2008

Firm and spicy, with dried cherry, anise, sage and light cedary oak notes that are focused and balanced, ending with a loamy earth and mineral edge. Has a history of aging well. Drink now through 2013.