“This year’s vintage is without a doubt the strangest, most lovely wine I have ever made,” Tanner laughed. “The young fruit hits your tongue; then there is a roll of velvet and huge mouthfeel that’s over-the-top crazy.” Atypical for Tanner with alcohol at 14.7 percent, this voluptuous, exotic Pinot is fabulous. It’s irresistible with its luscious aromas and flavors of boysenberry, black cherry, and cranberry highlighted with notes of raspberry, mineral, spice, and smoke. You’ll find it difficult to leave any of this one in the cellar. It’s great enjoyed on its own, but it will make any meal exceptional. Try it with steak smothered in mushrooms, grilled pork with pomegranate sauce, or seared peppered ahi. Only 159 cases, it’s at Central Coast Wines, 15 Degrees C, and Tastes of the Valleys in Pismo Beach for $32.
This article appears in Feb 10-17, 2011.
