2006 Ventana Vineyards Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 1,800 cases, $28. Ventana Vineyards, founded by former Navy pilot, Doug Meader, was one of the pioneering wineries in Monterey County, and can now celebrate 30 years of winemaking. Over these years, Ventana has become “The Most Award-Winning Single Vineyard in America.” Ventana is a Spanish word for window so-named because the vineyard abuts the Ventana Wilderness and symbolizes a “window to the future in viticulture.” The current winemaker is Reggie Hammond. The Arroyo Seco region is one of eight AVAs in Monterey County and lies between Soledad and King City, straddling Highway 101. Its neighbor is the more famous Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. · Spiced cherry with a sidecar of oak on the nose leading to nicely-weighted fruits including cherries and red berries, all enhanced by Xmas spice and deft use of oak. Reminds me of a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Quite a charmer. Reviewed December 16, 2007

Winery: Ventana Vineyards
From article: Pinot Noir Shootout Prelims