If you have ever visited the website of Marimar Estate (or the winery itself, for that matter), Chico is probably a familiar name to you — one of the two beloved “vineyard dogs.” This wine is a selection of six barrels from the vineyard named after owner Marimar Torres’ mother. This is a concentrated, stylish Pinot Noir but not a huge one. Its aroma and flavor expresses fully ripe fruit, specifically black cherry and blackberry, with earth and fresh-herb nuances. The wine is dry, racy with acidity and edgy with tannin — all in compelling contrast to the ripe fruit. The finish is impressive for its length and concentration of fruit. This wine should age nicely for five to eight years.
Marimar Estate, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
By Mary Ewing-Mulligan