Cobb Vineyards, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2012

First impressions are so important, and my first experience with Cobb Pinot Noir makes me want to check out the rest of their lineup.  This bottling comes from a tiny vineyard on the west end of Sebastopol in Sonoma County’s southwest corner, and it’s an achievement.  At 12.5% alcohol and with a color that’s lighter than some rosé, there is amazing elegance and complexity here, with cherry, pomegranate, dry earth, rhubarb, talc, and mild Asian spice aromas that translate beautifully on the palate, with crisp acidity that will stand up to very rich fowl preparations or a spicy pork tenderloin.  It finishes long and complex in a way that refreshes and keeps you coming back.  I’m so glad to find a California Pinot Noir like this!