The Talley family focuses on long term sustainability in their vineyards with minimum handling throughout the winemaking process. Those qualities are exemplified in this classic Pinot Noir. This lovely wine offers delicious flavors of red and black cherry, blackberry, earth, and spice, all nuanced with elegant mineral notes. It’s quite drinkable now, but it’s ideal for the table with dishes like prime rib, rack of lamb, grilled quail stuffed with duxelles, or King salmon. A blend of 82 percent Rincon and 18 percent Rosemary’s Vineyards from the Talley estate, this elegant Pinot is a very good buy for the quality at $36 retail.
This article appears in Apr 16-23, 2009.