The final round of judging in the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout was held today at Bistro Boudin on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I was asked to join about 30 other judges to pick the best of the best from over 250 entries across the world.
It was an easy day of judging, tasting just 32 [...]

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Foley, Sta. Rita Hills, Rancho Santa Rosa, Pinot Noir 2007 There is ripe candied fruit in the nose while the mouth is supple and elegant with oak working in a supportive role in the backgound. P&B in Lompoc 14.3% $35.99 at the Wine Merchant Foley
Jayer-Gilles, Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits 2005 The nose is quite reductive [...]

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Siduri, Sta. Rita Hills, Cargasacchi Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose features lots of fresh, candied fruit. The mouth captures the same essence, fruit driven and ready to drink. P&B in Santa Rosa 14.1% $47.49 at Bottle Barn Siduri Wines
Laetitia, Arroyo Grande Valley, Estate, Pinot Noir 2006 Unfortunately corked. Winemaker Eric Hickey. Estate grown, produced [...]

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Lincourt, Santa Barbara County, Pinot Noir 2006 There’s cooked fruit, cherries and plums that you might warm through for topping your ice cream. The palate shows the follow-on in the mouth in a supple format. This wine is a compilation of fruit from the Santa Maria Valley and the Rancho Santa Rosa property that is [...]

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Artesa, Carneros, Estate Reserve, Pinot Noir 2006 Artesa has been making some great wines and has shown greater success with their still wine program. This is a light-bodied, red fruit expression of Pinot with the warmth of alcohol. Winemaker David Dobson. P&B in Napa, 14.3% $50 at the winery Artesa
David Bruce, Santa Rita Hills, Pinot [...]

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Flying Goat, Santa Maria Valley, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 Concentrated cherries, sweet oak in July 08. In February ‘09, there’s some nice complexity as well, with the fruits stewing a bit – nice. Winemaker Norm Yost. P&B in Lompoc 14.3% $39.95 at Traverso’s Flying Goat
Byron, Santa Maria Valley, Nielson Vineyard, Pinot Noir [...]

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Two star producers show their wares from the Santa Rita Hills (I still find it hard to spell this appellation in the new fashion).
Foley Sta. Rita Hills Rancho Santa Rosa Pommard Clone Pinot Noir 2006
Another hit that melds black and red fruits inside an envelope of appropriate oakiness – very supple as well. P&B in [...]

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Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006
Winemaker Cabral can be modest as his Pinots do the talking, with a worldwide fan base. This wine is Pinot Perfection!, the essence of red fruits served on velvet. P&B in Healdsburg 14.3% 70 at Traverso’s though probably gone. Williams Selyem
LaFond Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2006
Pierre LaFond [...]

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