This Pinot Noir is a subtle beauty. I dislike the term “luxurious,” but in this case, it is immensely apropos to this wine. Winemaker Steve Rogstad has created a soft, delicate, seamlessly harmonized, even sensual wine. There are soft notes of black cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and plum. There’s also soft blueberry notes, slight candied cherry and a hint of brown spices. It’s one thing to make a wine well; it’s another for a wine to be made exceptionally well. And though the acidity and the tannins are fairly moderate, this is a unique, enjoyable and very tactile drinking experience. Part of this is Steve’s expertise at knowing his grapes, and part is due to the fact that these are the same grapes that he has worked with for 25 years. That kind of longevity and intimate understanding of your vineyard is what is best expressed in this wine, a melding of human intervention, and the natural beauty of soil, wind, sun, and seed. Yes, this runs $80, but I will tell you that it is worth every penny. ORIGIN: Napa Valley, Los Carneros. ALCOHOL: 14.5%.
