2007 Three Saints Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.45, $24, screw cap. Dierberg Winery produces three tiers of Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley Dierberg Vineyard. The Three Saints bottling is meant for early approachability and near-term enjoyment. The name comes from the 3 Saints - Maria, Rita and Ynez - representing three dynamic wine grape producing areas of Santa Barbara County. Grapes are de-stemmed but not crushed. Aged in 12% new French oak for 17 months, lightly fined and bottled without filtration. 100% Pinot Noir. · Very dark violet color. Fabulous nose with considerable interest. Aromas of plum sauce, black raspberry and blackberry, cardamon spice and white pepper. Darkly fruited with a touch of oak, earth, beef, tar and Moroccan spice on the palate. Discreetly rich with soft, fine tannins and a fruit-perfumed finish. Very Caliesque and thoroughly enjoyable now. The wine has good retail distribution and is available online at www.threesaintsvineyard.com. Reviewed September 19, 2009

Winery: Three Saints Vineyard
From article: Small Sips of Pinot