This has been a favorite of mine since it was first released in 2004. Winemaker Mike Sinor creates a fabulous Pinot from this great vineyard. Vintner Brian Talley sells Sinor grapes from a 1-acre block that consists of only 14 rows of grapevines. Planted with Clone 2A, the same clone planted at Talley’s famed Rosemary’s Vineyard, this block yields less than one ton per acre at harvest. The result is an elegant, soulful Pinot Noir with vivid strawberry, cherry, boysenberry, and plum aromas and flavors woven with a silky thread of spice and minerals. Aging it at least five years will make it far better, but it’s difficult to resist now. Pair it with equally refined foods, like grilled filet mignon, roast leg of veal with mushroom sauce, portabella risotto, or seared, pepper-crusted ahi. At only $40 retail, compared to its peers, it’s a very good buy. Order it by e-mailing mike@sinorlavallee.com.
This article appears in Sep 30 – Oct 7, 2010.
