There isn’t much 2010 Pinot Noir from California left on shelves anywhere, so this wine is a bit of a surprise as a current release. It’s made from clone 777, which is typically quite fruit forward domestically, and it doesn’t disappoint, showing rich black cherry and fall spice with accompanying cola and faint pepper. Just the right touch of charred oak lends depth and complexity to a wine that is ready to drink and will take to additional bottle aging as well. It sounds as if the tasting room is quite the place to visit — give them a try when you’re in the Sonoma area.
Halleck Vineyard, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2010
By Rich Cook