2009 Nuggucciet Cellars Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.68. 38 cases, $25. Inaugural release from Russ and Nancy Briley. Sourced from Riverbench Vineyard. Martini clone. Name is pronounced “New ga shay,” and is a combination of the owners’ two dogs’ names: Nugget and Gucci. Vinified with consultant Mike Brown of Cantara Cellars at RNB Wineworks in Camarillo, CA. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of strawberries and rose garden. An elegant and easy drinking wine offering demure flavors of red berries and cherries with a hint of spice and sandalwood. Soft on the palate with supple but noticeable tannins, offering commendable balance. Unusually light and red fruited (not in a negative sense) for a Martini clone Pinot Noir. Source: website. Good (+). Reviewed July 1, 2011

Winery: Nuggucciet Cellars
From article: Pinots of Distinction