Perception, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2008

 Like most fine Pinot Noir this one’s color is translucently red, like vintage stained glass.  Its aroma hints at the dark and mysterious fragrance that emanates from the best Pinots.  It has both layered complexity and purity of flavor unmarred by the excessive fruitiness that dominates so much Pinot Noir today.  Perception is a fairly new winery (founded in 2007), but owner-winemaker Mark Ray offers an impressive résumé.   He began his vinous career as sommelier at the prestigious Charleston Place Hotel, then went on to perfect his winemaking skills with stints at Robert Mondavi, Turley and Williams Seylem.