Pinot Noir A collection of outstanding values in Pinot Noir
Kali Hart Vineyard 2005 Pinot Noir $18 Though not immediately obvious, this is a Talbott Vineyards wine--Kali Hart is the name of Robert Talbott's youngest daughter. At the moment, this wine is a little rough coming out of the bottle upon opening. But after 20 minutes in the decanter, the Kali Hart 05 Pinot blossoms into a beautiful, complex Burgundian style wine with distinctive spices on the nose and a luxurious, round, fruit-driven palate. It avoids any hint of the sweet Kool-aid styles of many inexpensive California Pinots.  For a mere $18, it is one of the most remarkable values in Pinot Noir that we've encountered. Order direct from Robert Talbott Vineyards	Casa Barranca 2005 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir $22 A great California Pinot Noir made in more of a French style from Casa Barranca, the first certifed organic winery in the Santa Barbara region. Pepper and spice on the nose, lush and silky on the palate. Blueberries and strawberries and a finish of coffee beans and cedar with just a touch of vanilla. Aged in 40% new French oak. Pairs well with medium-bodied cheeses, and is ideal with grilled or roasted salmon. Online resellers offer it for quite a bit less than the $35 one pays to buy direct from the winery. Order online from The Wine Club Visit Casa Barranca	Poppy Wine Company 2007 Pinot Noir, Monterey County $15 What, are you kidding me? Fifteen bucks for this great Pinot Noir? This is not your typical fruity California Pinot. A little bit of oak, a little bit of spice, a little bit of earth, some pepper on the nose, and delicious cherry fruit all blended together into an extremely pleasant, medium bodied Pinot Noir. There are some surprisingly good Pinots coming out of Monterey County these days, and this is an excellent drinking wine that will not stress the pocket book. Highly Recommended! The website is currently under construction, but their phone number is 831-386-1100. Give them a call and see if they can fix you up with half a case of this great wine.
Francis Tannahill 2004 "The Hermit" Pinot Noir $40 From Oregon's Willamette Valley, a Pinot Noir of extraordinary character, sophistication, and charm. Complex, lush, and fascinating as it emerges, blossoms, and evolves in the glass. Delicious fruit, spice, smoke, pepper, and tannic structure blend in pure harmony to deliver both sensory and intellectual pleasure. A magnificent achievement with this varietal at this nominal price. Wines like this one are making Oregon famous as one of the great Pinot Noir regions on the planet. Order online from K&L Wine Merchants.	Peay Vineyards 2005 Pomarium Pinot Noir $60   Elegant, lush, and sophisticated Pinot with delicious cherry, spice and floral aromas on the nose. Rich, soft, and supple cherries on the palate, finishes with notes of pepper and spice along with soft tannins that add complexity. Everything is in balance with subtle oak, moderate 14.1% alcohol, and beautifully sufficient acidity. Distinctively reminiscent of great Burgundies at two or three times the price rather than traditional California styles. Currently needs some time to open up—decant at least 30 minutes prior to consuming, or lay it down for a few years. Order direct from Peay Vineyards.