Pinot stars

Buena Vista, Carneros, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose is sweet vanilla while the mouth features red fruits, a light-body and vanilla sweetness. The fruit is sourced from the winery’s Ramal Vineyard. Produced in Sonoma and Bottled in Napa 13.5% $17.99 at Bottle Barn Buena Vista

Calstar Cellars, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2006 This is a concentrated Pinot with a little warmth – no slouch and a long finish. Owner and winemaker Rick Davis. P&B in Sebastopol 14.2% $21.99 at Bottle Barn Calstar

Hook & Ladder, Russian River Valley, Estate Bottled, Third Alarm, Reserve, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose features stewed and candied berries while the palate is quite gripping. The wine was aged in new and used French oak. GP&B in Santa Rosa 14.2% $25.99 at Bottle Barn Hook & Ladder

Selby, Russian River Valley, Love Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 The smell of cola and sweet brown spices comes through in the nose while the palate is full-on flavorful with ample acidity to make this wine super food-friendly – my favorite of the flight. Winemaker Susie Selby P&B in Healdsburg 14.2% $35.99 at Bottle Barn Selby

About RJ

Ray Johnson is the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He writes about food and wine, his travels and the business of wine. He makes his home in Sonoma County, California.
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