2004 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 800 cases, $38. This is one of the most highly awarded Sonoma County Pinot Noirs from the 2004 vintage. Accolades include 95-100 points from Gerald Boyd of the San Francisco Chronicle, a Gold Medal at the 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and a top ranking in the 2006 Pinot Noir Shootout. As a judge in the Shootout, I tasted this wine blind on two separate occasions and both times picked it out as one of my clear favorites. Words probably can't do the wine justice after all these honors. · The nose is very provocative and complex with notes of cherries, raspberries, cola, sandalwood and a little sauvage. The bright and layered Pinot fruit flavors are perfectly entwined with a fine tannin backbone. The mouth feel is plush and the finish is clean and lingering. Complete in every way. A love letter. Reviewed May 22, 2006

Winery: Davis Family Vineyards