2006 Mount Eden Vineyards Estate Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 870 cases, $45. Yields were 4 tons per acre. · Redder-toned color. Very sexy aromas of wild berries, cherries, root beer, herbs and a touch of spice. There is a rainbow of middleweight red fruits touched by dirt, minerals and herbs. The wine doesn’t assault the palate (no “bombs bursting in the air”) but seduces with restraint, finesse and appropriate refreshing acidity. It was fine the next day from a re-corked previously opened bottle, showing more toast, leather and oak and a satiny texture. This wine is the best of both worlds: it can be drunk and enjoyed now, especially with food, or it can be aged for up to 10 years. It is a distinctive Pinot Noir that will not appeal to the fruit hedonist but will speak to those who truly understand wine and terroir. Reviewed March 15, 2009

Winery: Mount Eden Vineyards
From article: Tasting Santa Cruz Pinot Noirz