To get ready for Pinot on the River 2011 we reviewed our notes and photos from Pinot on the River 2009. That year, Pinot Report chief Greg Walter put together a three-day symposium before POTR. We were lucky to attend the Saturday technical sessions. Speakers such as Chris Donatiello (C. Donatiello Winery), Ken Juhasz (Auteur Wines), and Paul Clifton (Hahn Estate Wines). There was a ton of technical information presented with specific wines illustrating some of the technical issues. Outstanding.
Pinot on the River 2009 was held on the grounds of the Rodney Strong Vineyards. There were several large tents, but some wineries were still pouring out in the hot sun. (The forecast is for a high of 81 degrees tomorrow.) We enjoyed discovering many new, really good pinot makers. Among them were Littorai and MacPhail.
Other wineries we discovered include Bjørnstad Cellars, Kosta-Browne, and Freeman.
More photos of the scene at the grand tasting: