Nov 172013
 
2010 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR $30 (S) – Rating 89

A very enjoyable wine with aromas of cherry and raspberry with definite earthy and smokey notes. Medium-bodied with juicy acidity boasting flavors of smokey cherry, strawberry and ripe raspberry with subtle hints of leather and cigar box. Buy This Wine

Nov 172013
 
2010 La Rochelle Winery Deer Meadows Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, CA, $75 (S) – Rating 92

Limited production at under 120 cases, only 5 barrels. Get it while you can. A leaner style of Pinot Noir with a sense of clean, juicy food-pairing acidity offering enticing aromas of red fruit, strawberry nicely integrated with baking spice. Complex on the palate with flavors of red cherry, plum and blueberry with touch of terroir driven earthiness. Notes of white pepper in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Nov 172013
 
2011 Cartograph Wines Floodgate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $40 – Rating 92

Very limited production of 225 cases. This single vineyard Pinot is just coming into it’s own. A fun nose of baked cherry and spice with notes saddle leather. A round mouth-feel with balanced acidity and soft tannins showing flavors of red cherry, raspberry and a touch of blueberry. As the wine opens a bit of earthiness in the finish adds complexity. Buy This Wine

Oct 312013
 
2010 Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir , JV Estate, OR, $24 (S) – Rating 90

Bright fruit and bright flavors. Aromas of ripe strawberry, red cherry and spice. Medium-bodied and juicy acidity with flavors of strawberry, tart cherry, bright red fruits and cinnamon spice with rustic and floral notes. A touch of Burgundian earthiness on the finish. Buy This Wine

Oct 082013
 
2011 Masut Vineyard and Winery Block 7 Pinot Noir, Mendocino County, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 92

An extremely small production (115 cases) and nuanced wine. The mouthwatering acidity and balanced tannins cry out for a food pairing with lighter meats and rustic dishes. Aromas of smokey cherry give way to a palate full of cherry, ripe strawberry and rhubarb with hints of  pomegranate, smoke and leather in the finish. Buy This Wine