Taste this intensely flavored, ripe Pinot and you’ll exactly what wine lovers mean when they call a Pinot Noir a “Syrah-Pinot.” No wonder when it’s made by one of world’s renowned Rhone variety producers, John Alban of Alban Vineyards. It’s ripe and concentrated, yet shows amazing restraint. Forward notes of wild blackberries and black cherry are nicely accented by subtle notes of earth, spice, leather, and game. This delightful wine would be a great choice for blue cheese stuffed steaks, grilled rack of lamb or just plain enjoyment on its own. Available at Giuseppe’s restaurants and at the Deli in Shell Beach, just $28 retail.
This article appears in Jul 10-17, 2008.