Pinot Noir

Castle Rock
Mendocino Pinot Noir 2006 . . . . . 9.99
86/100 - Wine Spectator. “Aromas of ripe cherry, tree bark and wild raspberry are elegant, stylish and balanced, with nice focus and a lingering finish. Drink now.” (California)

Brancott Reserve
Marlborough Pinot Noir 2005 . . . . . 15.99
88/100 - Our score.
The first modern commercial vineyards in the Marlborough region were established by Brancott Vineyards in 1973, a region at the time better known for sheep farming than winemaking. Now in 2008, some of the world’s most tasty Pinot Noir values are coming from Marlborough. The Brancott Reserve leads off with aromas of cinnamon, black cherry and a whiff of tobacco. On the palate, smooth, round and juicy black cherry flavors give way to supple tannins and a long, spicy finish. An exceptional value, the Brancott will definitely grab your attention. (New Zealand)

Brandborg
“Bench Lands”
Umpqua Valley Pinot Noir 2006 . . . . . 19.99
89/100 - Our score.
While the Umpqua Valley may not be as well known as its northern neighbor, that’s about to change. Brandborg Winery is located in the northwest part of the valley, where there’s a cooler maritime climate that Pinots thrive upon. The floral, black cherry and strawberry aromas are more reminiscent of Burgundy than of the New World, and on the palate, similar flavors combine with fine but firm tannins, great balance and a seamless seasoning of oak. (Oregon)

Baileyana
“Grand Firepeak Cuvée”
Edna Valley Pinot Noir 2006 . . . . . 22.99
90/100 - Our score.
Here’s a less fruit-driven style of Pinot fashioned by Burgundy-born winemaker Christian Roguenant. The new vintage offers pretty aromas of strawberry, raspberry and black cherry set against a firm background of biscuity oak. Smooth and concentrated berry fruit flavors meld with spice, oak and underbrush, dovetailing into a lingering, elegant finish. (California)

Patricia Green
“Estate”
Pinot Noir 2006 . . . . . 29.99
91+/100 - Our score.
Like most of the upper-end Pinots from Patricia Green, this promising bottling is still quite closed and reticent. There’s a solid core of intense black cherry wrapped in firm but fine tannins, but it’s still deeply buried. Sweetly charry on the finish and tautly structured, this beauty needs a few months in the cellar to relax and develop its aromatics. (Oregon)

Belle Glos
“Taylor Lane Vineyard”
Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2006 . . . . . 49.99
92/100 - Our score.
93/100 - Pinot Report. “Deep ruby color; red cherry and spice aromas; rich, ripe red cherry flavors, earthy notes with some tannin and oak; good structure and balance; long finish, Spicy, rich Pinot with a lot of interesting flavors. Great with food or on its own.” (California)