Owner and winemaker Lane Tanner, who began making her eponymous brand in 1989, always keeps her delicious Pinots (she makes three versions) reasonably priced. Admittedly, this vineyard-designated wine is usually my favorite. It offers pretty aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, tangy boysenberries, and strawberries that marry perfectly with the nuances of earth, spice, and smoke. Way too drinkable on its own, but it complements an array of dishes, casual or elegant. Only $33 retail, very fairly priced compared with her peers. You won’t be disappointed, either, with her value-priced ’06 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County, only $26 retail. Both are available at Central Coast Wines, www.ccwines.com, in SLO.
You can reach New Times’ Cuisine columnist Kathy Marcks Hardesty at khardesty@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Aug 14-21, 2008.