2006 Babcock Winery &Vineyards Grand Cuvée Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.,950 cases, $40. Bryan Babcock has been crafting wines from his family-owned winery in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara County since 1989. He has won many awards, including being named by the James Beard Foundation as one of the “Top 10 Small Production Winemakers in the World.” This wine is 85% Babcock Estate Pinot Noir, 14% Rabbit Ridge Vineyard Paso Robles Pinot Noir and 1% Syrah. Aged for 10 months in 44% new French oak. · The aromas are very earthy, damp and funky. Delicious cherry fruit with sidecar notes of spice and organic matter. The lively finish is very refreshing and urges the drinker to sip on. Reviewed December 16, 2007

Winery: Babcock Winery
From article: Pinot Noir Shootout Prelims