This ripe, lush Pinot grown and produced in Monterey County is consistently good and value priced. Made by the famous Jeff Pisoni in the Santa Lucia Highlands, this Pinot is very friendly and easy drinking. The tasty blackberries and plum aromas and flavors are nuanced by notes of tangy cranberry, cedar, spice, and smoke. The ripe flavors make it more suitable for enjoying on its own, and best with slightly sweet foods like smoked baby back ribs, barbecued chicken, or oak grilled steaks. It’s a very good deal for a Pinot of this quality, available at Tastes of the Valleys Pismo Beach where it’s bargain priced at $19.99.
This article appears in Nov 22-29, 2012.