Winemaker Augie Hug, who makes two excellent vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs, says this is the most Burgundy-like one in his portfolio. I’ve been impressed by this elegant wine every time I’ve tasted it, and it keeps getting better each time. Aged in French oak, 30 percent new barrels, it offers pretty, dark fruit aromas and flavors of black cherry, plums, and strawberries that meld with gentle notes of earth, minerals, and spice. Pair it with special meals, your favorite steak, rack of lamb, or prime rib. It has the potential to age five to ten years. An excellent buy at $30 retail, it’s available at Hug tasting room in Paso Robles or at hugcellars.com.
This article appears in Sep 17-24, 2009.