Reviewed Wines from the current Newsletter
PinotFile 8/20

2007 Buena Vista Carneros Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.64, 25,213 cases, $24.99. Released in July 2010. · Attractive perfume of spicy dark fruits underscored with oak. A forward wine offering typical Pinot flavors of dark raspberries, blackberries and cherries with a subtle spice note. Easy drinking with soft tannins and a welcoming silkiness on the palate, this wine packs in plenty of charm. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Buena Vista Carneros Ramal Vineyard Estate Vineyard Series Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.43, 3,807 cases, $32. Released in June 2010. Double Gold, Best of California, Best of Class (Tie) Sonoma Appellations, California State Fair Wine Competition. Clones are Dijon 96, RY 17, 15, 4 and Weimar. Whole cluster pressed. 100% barrel fermented, aged sur lies with the lees stirred every two weeks for 9 months. 100% MLF. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels with the balance one and two-year-old barrels. · Aromas of lemons, pears, buttered toast and roasted nuts. Very tasty essence of lemon curd, white peach, pear and a touch of allspice. Beautifully composed with a welcoming snap of acidity on the finish. A “go to” California Chardonnay that has all the spunk you can ask for. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Le Nez Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $30. All clones in the vineyard but primarily 777. The “infant” wine of Lenné Estate that is the most accessible wine in the 2008 lineup. · Expressive aromas of black cherries, berries and herbal tea. Tasty core of cherry and berry fruit of moderate intensity with a lovely touch of spice. Soft and elegant with pillowy tannins. Can drink now but will be even better in a year. Very good (-). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Lenné Estate Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 496 cases, $45. The best barrels of clones 115 and Pommard. · A panoply of different red and black fruit aromas including cherries, strawberries, and red currants with an underpinning of smoky oak. Flat out delicious array of pristine fruit including black raspberries and cherries. Lovely accents of loamy earth and mocha. Highly persistent aromatic finish. A seamless wine that is pure class in the glass. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Lenné Estate Jill’s 115 Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 49 cases, $55. This wine has been very popular with tasters. · Shy but pleasing scents of red berries, cherries, pine pitch, wildflowers and mocha. Soft and smooth on the palate with notes of raspberries, strawberries, edible flowers and mocha java. A feminine Pinot that seduces with elegance. Doesn’t make a big flavor impression now but will improve with more time in the cellar. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Lenné Estate Karen’s Pommard Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 49 cases, $55. · The nose really grabs your attention with aromas of pie cherries, wild berries, wooded forest, oak and cut flowers. Vivid black cherry fruit which is soft and luscious on the palate, persisting on the amazingly lengthy finish leaving a refreshing impression from lively acidity. Still has tannin to shed and the big gulp of fruit is reticent and linear at this stage, but this is a very polished wine that will be spectacular down the line. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Lenné Estate Sad Jack 777 Yamhill-Carlton District Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 49 cases, $55. Clone 777 does best in cool sites and 2008 was a very cool vintage so this clone really shined and some was bottled separately. Named after the two winery dogs, Sadie and Jack. · Restrained aromas of berry jam, rhubarb and rose petals. Similar in flavor profile to the Le Nez with more dazzling cherry, pomegranate and anise notes. Juicy and delicious, but not particularly expressive now, showing plenty of sinewy ripe tannins that need to integrate. Very good (+). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Rosé

14.1% alc., 450 cases, $20. The second time a rosé has been released at DDO. · Coral color in the glass. Bright peach and strawberry flavors with a crisp and refreshing finish. Will work beautifully with grilled salmon. Good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. Unreleased. · Red in color in the glass. Oak supersedes the fruit aromas now with prominent coffee and toffee scents. Elegant and refined flavors of red berries and cherries with a touch of spice and sandalwood. Still young and tight but has the goods. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay

14% alc., $30. 100% estate fruit. Vinified 50% in stainless steel and 50% in barrel. · Pleasing aromas of white stone fruits, citrus and wet rocks. Demure flavors of white peaches and creme bruleé with no oak imprint and a bright, pure fruit finish. Always one of my favorite Oregon Chardonnays. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $40. · Bright berry perfume including blueberries. Moderately rich dark red fruits wrapped in soft tannins and brought to life with bright acidity. Like many Oregon 2007 Pinots, this one is drinking beautifully now and has the impeccable balance to age. Very good (+). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Domaine Drouhin Laurène Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $65. · Much more showy than the 2006 vintage withi intense aromas of black cherries, cut flowers and lavender. The delicious dark red and plumy fruit attacks the mid palate with a vengeance, persisting lavishly on the pleasing finish. Has the tannic backbone and balancing acidity to easily go 12 years. Very good (++). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Domaine Drouhin Laurène Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $65. · Hi-tone aromas of cherries, garden herbs, dried rose petals and seasoned oak. A bit austere and tight offering more aromatics than flavors. There are plenty of red fruits undercover. Very good (-). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Array of pleasing aromas including cut flowers, Provencal herbs and strawberries. Juicy core of red berries and cherries with savory herbal notes leading to a dry finish. Still has plenty of life ahead. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Villa Wolf Pfalz Germany Rosé de Pinot Noir

11.5% alc., $11. Imported by Anne’s Boutique Wines, Costa Mesa, CA. Produced by Ernst Loosen. · Moderately deep orange-coral color in the glass. Faint aromas of oranges, strawberries and rose petals. Tasty and mildly rich on the palate with appealing flavors of fresh oranges, tart berries and vanilla cream. A fine example of a Pinot Noir rosé. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Undone Rheinhassen Germany Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $13, screw cap. Imported by Valckenberg International Inc., Tulsa, OK. Unoaked. Label shows an unraveling corset and the words, “Smooth, dry, naked flavor.” · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of black cherries, red and black berries and cut flowers. Light, elegant and charming on the palate with an array of flavors including cherries, raspberries, boysenberries, red licorice and baking spices. A tasty, easy drinking, handy wine in an impressive package at an exceptionally good price. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Weingut Friedrich Becker Deutscher Tafelwein Rhein Germany Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $17. Imported by Cellars International Inc., San Marcos, CA. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Attractive perfume of dark berries and toasty oak. Bright and juicy flavors of mixed berries with a hint of citrus on the persistent finish. Soft in the mouth with gossamer tannins. A very classy wine that was even more incredible the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Achtung! An unbelievable value and highly recommended. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Weingut Michlits Burgenland/ Österreich Austria Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $20. Imported by Presscott Wines Inc., NY, NY. Made from organic grapes. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A panoply of dark berry aromas clothed in toasty oak. Impressively rich mid palate attack of black cherry and black raspberry fruit with a hint of cola. Comforting mouthfeel with mildly aggressive tannins and bright acidity. Better over time in the glass. A charming wine that should benefit from even more time in the cellar. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Weinhaus Nelles De Ruber Spätburgunder Trochen AD 1479N Ahr German Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $22. Imported by WineSellers, Ltd., Skokie, Ill. · Moderate color. Crazy about the nose which is flush with black cherry, ripe strawberry and underbrush aromas that keep getting better and better over time in the glass. A smooth, soft, fruit-driven wine rich with cherry and berry fruit accented with a gentle touch of oak. On the lighter side with mild tannins and respectable finesse. The nose trumps the flavors and the finish falls off quickly, but still a solid wine. Very good (-). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Weingut Friedrich Becker “B” Spätburgunder Pfalz Germany Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $42. Imported by Cellars International Inc., San Marcos, CA. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is intensely fruity and hi-toned featuring scents of black cherries, spice and old cask. Discreetly concentrated blackberry jam essence with hints of black tea and oak. Soft tannins and balancing acidity. Picks up interest and power with time in the glass. Even better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very impressive wine with age ability. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Meyer-Nuäkel Blauschiefer (“Blue Slate”) Spätburgunder Ahr German Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $45. Imported by Cellars International Inc, San Marcos, CA (Rudi Wiest). · Moderate reddish-purple color. Lovely perfume of wild berry compote, dried rose petals, tobacco and wet earth. A serious wine with a savory bent. Dense, darkly fruited and earthy with restrained tannins and a very sensual mouth feel. Assumes more intensity and interest over time in the glass. Very good (+). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Weingut Bernhard Huber Spätburgunder Trochen Baden Germany Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $36.Imported by Valckenberg International Inc, Tulsa, OK. · Moderately intense reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose lacks fruit, emphasizing aromas of wine cellar, oak char, petrol and ash. A decent core of darker fruits is over ridden by notes of oak, earth and mushroom. Modest richness with soft tannins, a smooth texture and a dry finish. Decent. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Weingut Ernst Bretz Spätburgunder Rosé Eiswein

8.0% alc., $33, 375 ml. Imported by WineSellers Ltd., Skokie, Ill. · Golden apricot color in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, white stone fruits and roasted nuts. Delicious and intense core of white peaches and apricots with a hint of strawberries that lasts and lasts. Slightly viscous. A real treat especially at this low alcohol level. A great wine for those with a sweet tooth. Tastes similar to a late harvest Pinot Gris (a good wine to fool your friends with as they would never guess this wine is Pinot Noir). Very good (+). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Los Carneros Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 5,325 cases. $38. · Lovely perfume of black cherries, violets, pine pitch and graham. Soft and silky in the mouth with bright red plum, cranberry, red currant and black cherry flavors with side notes of cola and brioche. The fruit is caressed by fine grain tannins and zingy acidity that perks up the tangerine-laced and slightly tart finish. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Four Vineyards Los Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $56. Chosen from as many as 30 different lots of Pinot Noir from RSV’s four Pinot Noir vineyards. · Moderately dark ruby in the glass. Very shy initially, opening slowly with coaxing over time in the glass revealing alluring aromas of dark red cherries and berries and underbrush. Follows the same theme as the other Pinot Noirs in the lineup with delicious bright dark red and black fruits, some hints of gourmet red, hard cherry candy and sandalwood, and a zippy finish showing hi-tone citrus peel aromas. Modestly intense and rich, displaying well-integrated tannins, a gentle nature, and the most generous, powerful and persistent finish in the RSV lineup. A seductive wine that is hard to say no to. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Three Amigos Vineyard Los Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.48, $56. This vineyard was planted to heirloom (heritage) selections beginning in 1982. Aged 9 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark ruby color in the glass. Very shy nose initially revealing demure scents of dark red fruits, dried oak and smoke. More showy on the palate with juicy and earth-kissed red cherries and berries. Ripe tannins provide some backbone and the bright acidity lifts the fruity finish. Very good (+). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Vandal Vineyard Los Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $56. A selection of five lots from the Vandal Vineyard which is located on a ridge of land in lower Carneros that joins the shoulder of Mt. Veeder. · Moderately dark ruby color in the glass. Very shy aromas of dark red and black fruits with a hint of toast and crackers. More expressive in the mouth with bright flavors of earthy darker fruits and hints of cherry skin and orange peel on the finish. Firmly structured but smooth and sensual. Will benefit from additional cellaring. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 LIOCO Sonoma County Chardonnay

13.5% alc., $20, screw cap. Fermented in stainless steel sur lie for 5 months, wild yeast, 100% MLF. · Straw color in the glass. Aromas of lemons, ocean air and brioche with a little funkiness that persists in the glass. The flavors trump the aromas with tasty baked apple, pear, dark toffee notes. Slightly creamy with bright acidity. Good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 LIOCO Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.71, $35. Clones 115 and 667 from vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. 7-day cold soak, 20% whole cluster, wild yeast fermentation, aged 11 months in neutral oak, unfined and unfiltered. · Heavy scent of crushed black cherries and allspice. A bit tart and lean for my taste with a blast of citrus on the dry finish. Improves some over time in the glass and I would recommend pounding it in a decanter and drinking it with food. Decent. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 LIOCO Graham Family Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.2% alc., $40, screw cap. · Penetrating and haunting aromas of red plum, red berries, violets and graham. Lip smacking hedonistic core of sweet red berries that are nicely spiced. The attack is impressive and the fruit is startling good. This is a perfect sipping wine, the fruit hanging around on the finish for at least half a minute. Very Caliesque and atypical for the LIOCO style. The alcohol is well-integrated and the wine was still drinking well the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating spot on balance. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 LIOCO Durell Vineyard Sonoma Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.81, 160 cases, $35. Whole cluster pressed, cold fermented, no oak, wild yeast fermentation, natural MLF, aged 6 months sur lie in stainless steel, unfined and unfiltered. · Golden yellow color in the glass. Complex aromatic profile offering scents of crushed rock, papaya, lychee, petrol and smoke. Discreetly rich and slightly viscous with flavors of lemon peel, white peach, Asian pear and melon. The wine’s modest acidity reflects a warmer site. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 LIOCO Sonoma Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 504 cases, $35. From a vineyard near the Napa/Sonoma border exposed to cool winds and fog from San Francisco Bay. 7-9-day cold soak, 16- day fermentation in open-top tanks, wild yeast, aged 12 months in neutral barrels, unfined and unfiltered. · Lovely perfume of plums, currants, spice and a whiff of oak. An impressive wine that captures the essence of dark stone fruits and grapes. I was captivated by the purity of this wine and the generous finish that lingered for over twenty-seconds. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 LIOCO Henni’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.74, 45 cases, $45. This vineyard is in a cool site in Green Valley, planted densely (4’ x 4’) on Goldridge soil. This wine is from the first harvest at this vineyard (“Virgin Vintage”). 7-day cold soak, long (19 days), cool wild yeast ferment in open-top tanks, manual punch downs, aged 12 months in once used oak barrels, unfined and unfiltered. · The aromas of berry tart, Asian 5-spice, and warm brioche really come at you from the start. Would make a very sensual perfume. Pure flavors of red berries and cherries, pomegranate, spice, and a subtle Concord grape note. Unencumbered by oak flavors and tannins, this wine is both exotic and erotic. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 LIOCO Klindt Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.80, 265 cases, $45. A diverse mixture of clones. · Nicely nuanced nose showing aromas of black cherries, balsam, spice and melon. Tasty core of cherries and berries with a touch of spice, savory herbs, pine tar and savory herbs. Clean, smooth, nicely balanced, and opens smoothly over time in the glass. Very good (-). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 LIOCO Michaud Vineyard Chalone Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.77, 343 cases, $48. This vineyard is located at an elevation of 1,600 feet on granite and limestone soils. The climate is extreme, with 40 to 60 degree diurnal shifts, resulting in stressed vines. 10-day cold soak, aged 12 months in 1, 2, and 3- year-old oak barrels, unfined and unfiltered. · Deeply colored. Appealing, even ridiculously sensual aromas of warm cherry tart, tea, ground savory and dark roses. Flavors of loamy black cherries and berries, spice and grilled mushrooms. A sweet and sour thing is going on with the fruit. Silky and smooth with healthy ripe tannins yet a charming elegance. Amazing persistence of berry fruit on the generous finish. This wine will stand up to hearty foods. Very good (+). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Fess Parker Ashley’s Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.3% alc., $22. Ashley’s Vineyard was planted in 1997 and was named after Fess Parker’s daughter. The vineyard has been sold to Foley and is now split into Lindsay’s Vineyard (red varieties) and Courtney’s Vineyard (white varieties including Mt. Eden clone of Chardonnay), both part of Rancho Las Hermanas, but Fess Parker retains the “Ashley’s” designation. The vineyards span 213 planted acres. · Straw color in the glass. Nicely appointed nose featuring scents of green apple, pear, cinnamon spice, and a hint of oak toast. Very tasty essence of white stone fruits in a seamless style with a well-proportioned acid backbone. Very clean on the finish, drawing the drinker to take another sip. California Chardonnay at its finest. Because of the name, many wine geeks do not take the winery seriously, but I am here to tell you that this is a label worth exploring for all of its varietals. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hllls Chardonnay

14.6% alc., 1,296 cases, $36, wax closure. · Straw color in the glass. Very shy and opens slowly revealing aromas of lemons, wax, and cheese. Pleasant but nondescript and rather austere with a citrusy, waxy and toasty core. The alcohol gives the wine body and creaminess, the bright acidity contributes a brisk finish. Seems like a lot of wine with little flavor (a Big Mac without the secret sauce). Decent. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Melville Estate Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.9% alc., $20. · Straw yellow in the glass. Appealing aromas of buttered toast, honey and lemon curd. Rich and bright on the palate with a tasty core of green apple, peach and honeydew flavors and toasty oak in the background. Hi-tone acidity brightens the finish. Well-endowed and full-bodied, this is very California at heart. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Brewer-Clifton Rancho Santa Rosa Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.6% alc., 284 cases, $45, wax closure. Clones 4 and 76. · Straw color in the glass. The nose draws you in with aromas of apple pie, citrus fruits, buttered toast and caramel. The flavors echo the aromas. Luscious and well-endowed, possessing zippy acidity and a crisp finish. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Brewer-Clifton Mount Carmel Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.6% alc., 480 cases, $65, wax closure. Planted in 1991 by Ron and Nancy Piazza, this monopole vineyard is overseen by vineyard manager, Francisco Ramirez. Of the twenty acre parcel, six are planted to the Wente clone. · Clear, straw color in the class. Restrained aromas of white peaches, roasted nuts and brioche. Appetizing peach and lemon fruit with a hint of papaya and noticeable citrus peel on the steely finish. Seamless with faint tannin and admirable persistence on the finish. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Brewer-Clifton Sweeney Canyon Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

15.2% alc., 120 cases, $70, wax closure. Twelfth bottling from this site. Planted on its own roots to a Wente selection and dry farmed. · Light straw color in the glass. Distinctive aromatic profile of dried herbs, candle wax and cut flowers. Lovely flavors of peaches and nectarines with a faint note of oak in the background. Slightly creamy and more demure than the Mount Carmel and Rancho Santa Rosa bottlings with a better fruit and acid balance. No sign of alcohol. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 The Ojai Vineyard Clos Pepe Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.0% alc., $35. From renowned winemaker Adam Tolmach. Clone 76. · Straw yellow color in the glass. The aromas are dominated by oak-derived notes of toast and vanilla which tend to blow off over time exposing the mineral-imbued citrus fruits. Delicious on the palate, soft and smooth, with pleasing flavors of white peaches, lemons and pink grapefruit, leaving a lasting impression on the persistent and high-spirited finish. A high-class wine singing in perfect harmony. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Esoterica by Kent Rasmussen Carneros Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $17. · Moderately dark reddish-purple in the glass. Ripe to overripe dark fruits on the nose with tones of earth, sap and red hard candy. Moderately rich and savory on the palate with a generous offering of earth-kissed plum and black currant fruit with a slight roasted and herbal quality. Very soft in the mouth and easy to drink. Good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Cep Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $24. A second label from Peay Vineyards. · Initially the nose is attractive with aromas of fresh berries, but as the wine sits in the glass, a subtle smokiness comes out. The medium-weighted core of berry fruit has underpinnings of tar and ash. Silky smooth and tries to please, but the smoke affectation detracts. Good (-) WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Gary Farrell Carneros Selection Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.41, 933 cases, $32. Released February 2010. Sourced from unique blocks at Ramal Vineyard. Barrel fermented in 33% new French oak barrels for 7 months. · Clear and straw colored in the glass. Austere aromas of lemon juice and fresh cut grass. Well-endowed with moderately rich flavors of canned peaches, honeydew and roasted nuts which linger on the finish. Nothing out of place. Good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Navarro Vineyards Deep End Blend Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $38 (futures price). · Moderately dark ruby color in the glass. Nice fruity aromas of plums and blackberry jam with a hint of herbal oak and smoke. Tasty darker fruit core with a tarry, smoky, ash edge. Nicely crafted with lively acidity and some grape tannins to shed. One of the better smoke affected 08s from Anderson Valley. Decent. Note: Navarro made the welcome gesture of sending out a bottle of this wine free to all buyers of previous vintages (including myself) to allow them to evaluate it and decide if they wanted to buy the wine despite the vintage challenges. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Cloud’s Rest “Femme Fatale” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $40. Estate grown. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is tres Pinot with fresh black cherry and dark berry aromas. Generous dark red cherry and berry fruit with a lovely spice accent. The fruit really brings the palate to attention and persists on the finish. Bright acidity adds to the drinkability. This wine will find wide appeal. Very good (+). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Guarachi Family Wines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $40. One of the heaviest bottles I have ever lifted! · Moderately dark garnet color. Alluring perfume of spiced fresh berries with a minty garnish. Tasty and smooth in the mouth with plenty of dark cherry and berry intensity and a touch of cola, all wrapped in modest sinewy tannins. The wine’s sensual texture speaks Pinot. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Gary Farrell Carneros Selection Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.50, 932 cases, $45. Released April 2010. Sourced from Ramal Vineyard in Carneros. Aged in 44% new French oak barrels for 9 months. Clones 667, Pommard 5, 828, 115, Swan. · Needs time in the glass to unfold, revealing attractive scents of black cherries and blackberries with a well mannered touch of smoky oak. Earthy, herbal and flush with dark berry fruits, this silky wine aims to please with a seamless backbone of restrained tannins and a proper grip of acid. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Peay Pomarium Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $53. The name refers to “apple orchard” and is pronounced “po-mare-ee-um,” as a nod to the days when the hill where the vineyard sits was planted to apples. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely composed aromatics with plenty of fresh cherries and mixed berries accented by forest floor and mountain air. Hearty and fairly bold attack of berry and black cherry fruit augmented by oak. Earthy and savory with a faint aftertaste of smoke on the persistent finish. Still has some tannins to shed and should improve over time, assuming the smoke affect doesn’t become accentuated. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Henry of Pelham Family Estate Ontario Canada Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $17. Imported by Beck Wines & Spirits, San Francisco, CA. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Starts out with marked sulfur notes of rotten eggs, obscuring the underlying aromas of dark fruits, pine tar and oak char. Robust black cherry fruit with an underlying earthy note, wrapped in flamboyant sandy tannins. Seems over-sulfured. Unsatisfactory. This winery was a featured winery at this year’s IPNC, so I suspect this was not a representative bottle. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Clairborne & Churchill Edna Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $20. From a family winery established in 1983, specializing in Pinot Noir, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. · Moderately intense garnet color. Darker fruits are featured on the nose along with notes of cherry cola, picking up more oak and funkiness with time in the glass. Tasty fruit but oak permeates this wine and takes away from the experience for me. Otherwise it is fine, with good acidity and a tangy persistence of citrus peel on the back end. Decent. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Fort Ross Fort Ross Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $30. · Minty, oaky aromas with alcohol peaking out. Rich and full on the palate with delicious flavors of black cherries, plums, oak toast and a hint of white pepper. A disjointed wine now with the flavors trumping the aromas. Worth visiting in another year. Good (+). WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Heart O’ The Mountain Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.56, 490 cases, $48. Clones 777, 667 and Pommard. Aged 18 months in French oak. · Medium garnet color. Deep, dark, very ripe fruit perfume with hints of forest floor and sawdust. A big gulp of purple fruit (black plums, elderberries, blackberries) that dances lightly on the palate, drinking easily by virtue of mild fine-grain tannins. The sweet, velvety mouthful of fruit will find appeal. A faint hint of alcohol peaks out on the finish. Very good. WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 August West Graham Family Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $50. · Medium garnet color in the glass. Charming scent of red cherries accented by gentle oak toast. Fruity and tasty with a pleasing fullness on the palate. Harmonious with gossamer tannins and a good grip of acidity. A solid, but not emoting wine now but should improve over time. Good (+). WINERY » ARTICLE »