Talbott, Monterey County (California) Pinot Noir 2011

I reviewed and recommended Talbott’s fine trio of Pinot Noirs about five months ago and had the opportunity to taste them again.  They’ve all expanded and gotten better with just a few months in the bottle.  They represent a fabulous study in how a winemaking team stratifies their wines.    This, their “entry level” Pinot Noir, is arguably California’s finest Pinot Noir for the money.  This lighter weight wine delivers an engaging combination of leafy and floral notes that balance a delicate fruitiness.  Hints of smoke peek out.  It has a remarkable finish for an “entry level” wine.  Roast chicken with a mushroom sauce springs to mind.