Small Sips of Pinot

2008 Deep Cove Central Otago Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $19, screw cap. Imported by San Francisco Wine Exchange, San Francisco, CA. A confusing new name and label for Pinot Noir from Wild Earth Vineyards Ltd., who produced highly touted Pinot Noirs in 2006 and 2007 under the Wild Earth label. Sourced from estate Bannockburn vineyards and blend with grapes from other Central Otago vineyards. · The strawberry and black cherry fruit is on the ripe side with a subtle roasted quality. Still quite tasty in a simple, straightforward way. Velvety in the mouth with gossamer tannins. An easy going drink that delivers at a value price.

2007 Senders Wines Las Brisas Vineyard Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir

14.7% alc.. · Enticing aromas of ripe dark stone fruits with hints of oak toast, smoke and violets. Flavorful essence of fresh picked dark cherries and berries accented by a subtle grilled note. The tannins and acidity are more harmonious compared to the regular bottling and the silky smooth mouth feel is a come on. Veers to the edge of being over ripe, but falls short. The fruit really makes a statement. Very good.

2007 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve California Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.68, $15.69. Kendall-Jackson, who cultivates 12,500 acres of vineyards, is reputedly the largest grower of Pinot Noir in California and the Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir is the best selling Pinot Noir in the United States. This wine is 92% Pinot Noir with a splash of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel for added color and complexity. Sourced from multiple California vineyards from Santa Barbara County to Mendocino County. 86% aged for 9 months in French oak barrels (some American oak barrel aging as well). The winemaster is Randy Ullom. Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Pleasing slightly confected · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Pleasing slightly confected aromas of strawberries and cherries with supporting oak and cedar. Modestly intense cherry and berry fruit core veering toward cherry Life-Savor flavor. Soft in the mouth with slippery tannins. A fine training wheels Pinot that is highly drinkable and a stellar value. Your wine impaired in-laws will love this wine. Good.

2007 La Fenêtre À Côté Central Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $20. · Relatively light garnet color in the glass. A woodsy, slightly funky nose with hints of oak and bay leaf. A simple, lighter-styled wine featuring redder cherry and berry fruits with a cherry candy and slight green note in the background. Soft tannins make for easy drinkability. This wine can fill in at the dinner table with its brisk acidity. Decent.

2007 Forchini Vineyards & Winery Proprietor’s Reserve Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $26. From the estate River Terrace Vineyard. The winemaker is James F. Forchini. · Complex nose featuring scents of red fruits, dried rose petals, spice, underbrush and balsam. Ripe dark red stone fruits with added interest from flavors of black tea and grilled meats. Moderately rich with some ragged tannins and a dry cherry-laden finish. Good.

2007 Senders Wines Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $30. · Lively aromas of black cherries and raspberries grab your attention over time in the glass, backed by a vegetal green bean note. Dark red fruited including currants and roasted plums fan out nicely on the palate with a refreshing lift of acidity on the back end. Good.

2007 Desmond Estate Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.69, 80 cases, $36. A field blend of Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777 from the Desmond Estate Vineyard. Aged 10 months in 35% new French oak barrels. · Interesting nose with fresh scents of cherries, mint, oak and leather sole. Medium-weighted flavors of black cherries and black raspberries with a hint of green tomato and red licorice. Nicely composed with mild tannins and bright acidity, but lacking mid palate impact. Good.