Category Archives: Sta. Rita Hills

California Pinot Noir

Posted on December 3, 2010 by RJ

Storrs, Monterey, Riverview Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose features smoky and earthy notes to complement the red fruit. In the mouth the cherry sensation is enlivened by a healthy dose of acidity, making this a great match for roast … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Monterey County, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sta. Rita Hills | Tagged | Leave a comment

Wines of the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout

Posted on January 11, 2010 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Pinot Noir Old World and New

Posted on March 13, 2009 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits, Burgundy, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sta. Rita Hills | Leave a comment

Central Coast Pinot Stars

Posted on February 5, 2009 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Arroyo Grande Valley, California, Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills | Leave a comment

Foley Pinot Noirs 2006

Posted on November 7, 2008 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

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Power to the Pinot!

Posted on August 21, 2008 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sta. Rita Hills | Leave a comment

SB Pinot

Posted on July 14, 2008 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

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Coooool Pinot

Posted on May 7, 2008 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

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Great Pinot

Posted on April 23, 2008 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma County, Sta. Rita Hills | Leave a comment