Belle Glos, Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands, Las Alturas Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2006 There’s smoke, liquer-like fruit and dusty cedar in the nose while the mouth follows through with warmth and earthiness on a supple blanket. Winemaker Joseph Wagner of the Caymus empire. Produced and bottled in Rutherford 15.1% $49.99 at Bottle Barn Belle Glos Wines
Paraiso, Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir 2006 There’s perfume in the nose and flavors of tart cherry and cranberry in the mouth, with a little touch of astringency that’s amplified by the tartness- yet this is a light-bodied value in the world of ever-escalating Pinot prices from Santa Lucia. P&B in Soledad 14.4% $15.69 at Bottle Barn Paraiso Vineyards