It’s way too early to drink 2007 Pinot Noirs, I’ll admit, but after tasting this recent release at their new tasting room in SLO I couldn’t resist opening a bottle at dinner. Nicely balanced and easy-drinking, this tasty wine seduces you with its fragrant black cherry, strawberry, and blueberry aromas and flavors, nuanced with earth and spice notes. I loved it with Alaskan Coho salmon and whole wheat pasta with ratatouille and goat cheese. It’s also a great choice for ahi, beef, or mushroom-based dishes. Winemaker Stephen Ross Dooley (who was once winemaker at Edna Valley Vineyards) said the vintage was “pretty spectacular,” but there’s a downside: a small crop. And we all know that means these wines will disappear fast. This classic Pinot is well structured and hard to stay away from, especially so when it’s only $24 retail at the tasting room.
You can reach New Time’s Cuisine columnist at khardesty@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Sep 11-18, 2008.