Tasting Room
Pinot NoirWINE OF THE WEEK
Fritz
2005 Russian River Valley - Pinot Noir ($30)
A pinot with good varietal character. Aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, soft strawberry and a hint of ginger. Good acidity. Medium-bodied. Medium complexity.
2004 Carneros - Pinot Noir ($24)
Edgy. Concentrated flavors of blackberry and sweet plum. Notes of cola and sassafras. Slightly tart.
2004 Mitsuko's Vineyard,, Carneros - Pinot Noir ($30)
The panel concluded the wine was undermined by off aromas and flavors. Two bottles tasted.
2004 Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Barbara - Pinot Noir ($50)
A big, earthy pinot. Full-bodied. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, cranberry, spice and mineral. Aromas of jasmine.
2004 Star Ridge Vineyard, RRV, Russian River Valley - Pinot Noir ($50)
An elegant pinot, with bright, tart fruit. Flavors of cherry and quince. Soft texture. Medium complexity. Medium-bodied.
2004 Rhinefarm Vineyard, California - Pinot Noir ($32)
A pinot with a great deal of personality. Jammy cherry and plum fruit flavors. Rich and elegant. Medium complexity.
2004 Napa Valley - Pinot Noir ($41)
Burgundian in style. Subtle, sweet toasty aromas. Good acidity. Flavors of cherry and cranberry. Medium complexity.
2004 La Colline Arroyo Grande Valley, San Luis Obispo - Pinot Noir ($60)
Complex and full-bodied. Sweet blackberry and black plum flavors. Good mouth-feel. Undermined by some off aromas.
2004 Sonoma Coast - Pinot Noir ($30)
An appealing pinot. Slightly earthy. Aromas and flavors of cranberry, rhubarb and spice. Elegant, with light tannins.
2004 Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros - Pinot Noir ($28)
A big, bold, smoky pinot. Flavors of vanilla, plum, raspberry, pomegranate and strawberry. Rich and ripe. Vibrant.
TASTING PANEL: Damy Tamburrino, Simi Visitor Center; Stefen Soltyiask, Rodney Strong Vineyards; Larry Van Aalst, Equus; Ben Pearson, Bottle Barn; and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.
CRITERIA: The panel samples eight to 12 wines a week in a blind tasting. Wine of the Week is based on quality, value and availability and is not necessarily the top wine of the tasting. Price is suggested retail; actual price is often lower.You can reach Staff Writer Peg Melnik at 521-5310 or e-mail pmelnik@pressdemocrat.com