Exhibiting none of the sappiness or saccharine-like sweetness that mar so many California Pinot Noirs, this medium-weight wine charms through forward fruit flavors enhanced by echoes of savory spice. Well-balanced and harmonious, it would merit an even higher rating if it tasted more complex – something that may well happen in a year or two if it sheds some of its baby fat.
Byron, Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
By Paul Lukacs