This tasty Pinot from Santa Barbara County, released by winemaker Leslie Mead Renaud (formerly at Talley, she joined Lincourt in 2010), impressed me during the recent World of Pinot Noir event. It’s delicious and nicely balanced; I enjoyed its cherry, blackberry, and plummy flavors and aromas. Medium-bodied with light tannins, it’s highlighted with pretty notes of blueberry and spice. It’s quite drinkable now, and it’s so versatile you can pair it with roasted salmon, seared ahi, mushroom risotto, or a grilled steak. Available at the Santa Ynez tasting room or online at lincourtwines.com, it’s a good value for Pinot at $30 retail.
This article appears in Mar 8-15, 2012.