Tipsy Dog Pinot Noir - Arrrf

The Wildwood Vineyard and Winery is an 80-acre estate just east of Highway 101 on the Cuesta Grade in San Luis Obispo. Owned by the Wood family, the emphasis of the winery is on Syrah and Cabernet grown on the estate. Always on the lookout for good, reasonable Pinot Noir (almost an oxymoron), I ran across this wine at my local retailer (Pacific Ranch Market). Last summer, as part of Pinot Camp, our group had visited Wildwood Vineyard and Winery and enjoyed a fine barbeque and wines from their tasting room.

2005 Tipsy Dog Crazy Jay’s Vineyard Edna Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 500 cases, $28. Pommard clone. · A very decent Pinot Noir of medium weight. Fruit-driven aromas with plenty of dark raspberries and mocha on the palate. There is noticeable oak influence from start to finish. The alcohol is well-integrated in the prodigious fruit.

Wildwood Vineyard and Winery is located at 555 El Camino Real, San Luis Obispo. The Tipsy Dog Pinot Noir can be fetched on the website, www.wildwoodwine.com. Tasting by appointment (805-546- 1088).