I bought this at Patty's November Open House. At that time I liked it better than anything else she was pouring (which was about 20 wines!), partly because it's racy cherry flavors and acidity set it apart from a bunch of other wines that all tasted pretty much the same. The Balcombe vineyard is located at the sourthern end of the Dundee Hills at about 650' (a little on the higher side). Decanted for about 45 minutes to let the funk blow off.

Slightly cloudy garnet color. Cherries, raspberries, and violets in the nose. An initial burst of racy cherries and raspberries on the palate is followed by concentrated cherries and some caramel notes, and then an OK but undistinguished finish. The acidity is high but tastes well balanced in the context of the fruit. No real discernable tannins or oak.

A very nice wine that could have been a great wine with a better finish. 90 points. Drink now to 2008

I've found my 2001 PGC Pinots growing longer in the last 6-9 months, fattening up and showing more richness overall. The 2001 Eason is particularly scary, and the Balcombe 1B is wonderful.

I expect the 2002's to do the same, but one can never know. I have a case of the Balcombe (and the 1B) and found a similar character in the lone bottle I've opened to date to what you report here.

Thanks for the notes, Duke - I've recently purchased a few Patty Greens including this and the 1B - I think I'll start trying them later this year.

I had this again last night at a dinner. I very much noted the gamey character that has been mentioned about her wines. The finish was better though. Actually my WOTN.