Pinot Noir

Feb 182012
 
2007 Stephen’s Cellar Encell Vineyard Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 88

A rich Pinot Noir with flavors of ripe dark cherry, blueberry with hints of toasty oak vanilla combined with soft tannins and subtle notes of minerality. The complexity shows the longer it opens in your glass. A very enjoyable wine from Stephan’s Cellar.

Feb 182012
 
2010 Garnet Pinot Noir, Carneros, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 89

A super-value Pinot Noir, can be found for $15. Very smooth, easy drinker with balanced acidity and flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice and cola. Ready to drink – not for the cellar. Also a good restaurant choice because of the immediate drinkability.

Feb 182012
 
2009 MacPhail Family Wines Wightman House Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 93

A rich and somewhat unique Pinot, still in the winning James MacPhail style. Flavors of ripe dark cherry, plum, toasty oak vanilla and plenty of spice with very well integrated tannins adding complexity. Definitely a big-boy Pinot and a real joy to drink.

Feb 172012
 
2009 Masut Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir. Mendocino, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

Third generation winemakers Ben and Jake Fetzer’s inaugural effort under the Masut Vineyard label is a winner!  Long on finesse and bright fruit with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, ripe cranberry, spice with hints of oaky vanilla. All estate fruit from a 23-acre vineyard, only 800 cases. Ranked #50 on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 list for 2011.