There are several wines reviewed here that are worthy of your attention. They did not fit into any particular
feature article.
2006 Calera Mt Harlan Cuvee Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 3,239 cases, $30. Vino-Seal.
Primarily Mills with some Jensen and Reed vineyard grapes from younger vines. Aged in
30% new French oak for 14 months.
·
Cranberries, oak and a touch of alcohol on the
nose. Medium-weighted red berry flavors with a hint of oak. A bit short on the mid palate
and the very dry finish.
2006 Barnett Vineyard Tina Marie Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4%
alc., 1180 cases, $34. Fiona and Hal Barnett founded their family estate on the top of
Spring Mountain in 1983. This wine is sourced from the Green Valley sub-appellation of
the Russian River Valley and is composed of Dijon clones. The winemaker is David
Tate.
·
Medium reddish-purple color. Aromas of cherries, Asian spice and oak char.
Cherry-driven flavors that are moderately mouth-filling. A lovely wine with charm but
showing a bit too much oak for my taste.
2006 Portalupi Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 328 cases, $42. Crafted by Tim
Borges from Rochioli fruit.
·
Restrained scent of black cherries and toasty oak.
Beautiful raspberry and cherry fruit, lightly oaked and softly presented with noticeable
but ripe tannins. Very classy like a demurely dressed woman.
2006 Heintz Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $45. From the Heintz
Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast that is better known for Chardonnay.
·
A dark-fruited
wine with a light touch of smoky oak. Juicy, restrained and nicely weighted in the
mouth. There seems to be a hint of Brett in the nose that some drinkers will find
appealing.
2006 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $48.
·
Moderately light
reddish-purple in color. Attractive scents of crushed plums, Bing Cherry, oak smoke
and fresh crusty bread. Dark red cherry fruit on the palate with a hint of raisin and
loamy earth. Silky, supple tannins, and a dry, tangy finish. A good drink that will
please many.
2006 Anderson Family Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $50.
·
Very enticing aromas of
cherries, spices (particularly cinnamon), prune and smoke. Light and pleasant tart cherry and cranberry flavors
with a refreshingly tart and grippy finish. An accessible wine that is good without being special.
2005 Kynsi Winery Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.5%
alc., $36. Kynsi is a small family winery located in the Edna Valley appellation of San
Luis Obispo owned by Don and Gwen Orthman. Pommard and Martini clones.
·
Dark
reddish-purple in color. Sensual aromas of black cherries, blackberries, violets and
oak toast. Nicely composed red and black fruits with subtle overtones of oak, savory
herbs and that signature Bien Nacido white pepper. Impeccable balance and a clean
finish. This remarkable wine seduces rather than overpowers with tender, lithe and
captivating flavors. This one was kissed by an angel.
