2006 Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 1,772 cases, $40. Winery owners Doug and Jan Circle source grapes for their wines from their own Sierra Madre Vineyard. The vineyard, which was planted in 1971, was purchased from Michael Mondavi in 2003. The winemaker is Steve Rasmussen. Clones were vinified separately. Aged in 35% new French oak barrels. · Deep reddish-violet color. The plentiful oak overwhelms the ripe cherry fruit on the nose. Prodigious fruit with touches of cola, herbs and oak. Soft and smooth with a mouth filling presence and admirable acidity. The oak takes over in the glass over time. A man’s Pinot Noir that will appeal especially to oak lovers. Reviewed July 9, 2009

Winery: Sierra Madre Vineyard
From article: Sips of 2006 California Pinot Noirs