Dec 162013
 
2010 Mercy Vineyards Zabala Vineyard Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 91

A very well-made Pinot that causes pause for thought. Bright fruit on the nose with aromas of cherry, ripe strawberry and just a hint of leather. Soft tannins on the palate with balanced acidity. Flavors of red berry, cherry, raspberry and strawberry with just a kiss of sweetness on the finish. This wine is still quite young and should improve over the next few years. Buy This Wine

Dec 162013
 
2010 Trione Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir, River Road Ranch, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 90

A  plush, fruit forward Pinot Noir that will delight most any Pinot lover. Aromas of cherry, plum and a hint of smoke. Soft on the palate with subtle tannins and delicate acidity. Round flavors of cherry, blackberry, pie spice and raspberry. Notes of cola on the finish. Buy This Wine

Dec 022013
 
2011 Cartograph Wines  – Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, CA, $38 – Rating 91

Very small production of only 55 cases from Roma’s Vineyard near Boonesville, CA. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and a soft mouth-feel. Aromas of cherry, ripe strawberry puree and baking spice. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and cranberry come together with hints of cola in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Dec 022013
 
2010 Papapietro Perry Nunes Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $54 – Rating 93

They say wine is grown in the vineyard. It shows with this wine from Fred and Wendy Nunes’s Russian  River terroir-driven Pinot vineyard. Aromas abound of cherry, raspberry and brown baking spices. Juicy acidity and smooth tannins well suited for food pairing, offering flavors of cherry, blueberry, strawberry and spice with definite notes of cinnamon in the long finish. A wine worth pondering. Buy This Wine

Dec 022013
 
2010 Bohème English Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $49 (S) – Rating 93

A blend of four clones, Dijon 115 & 667, Vosne, Romanee and Calera – each farmed, harvested and fermented separately, then aged two years in neutral French Oak barrels. The nose is plush with aromas of dark fruit, ripe raspberry and black tea. An elegant Pinot Noir ,with both mouth watering acidity and a round mouth-feel. The palate is enticed with flavors of cherry, raspberry, red fruit and lots of spice. Notes of black tea in the finish adds complexity. But This Wine