2006 Girasole Mendocino Organic Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 9000 cases, $15. Born to Italian immigrants, Charlie Barra planted the home ranch Redwood Valley Vineyards in Mendocino County in 1955 and has farmed 200 acres of vineyards since. He was an innovator (first to use water for over-head frost protection in Mendocino) and an activist (fought for state regulations that changed the way farmers are paid for grapes). BARRA of Mendocino brand was started in 1997 and Girasole (“jee-ra-sol-ay”) in 2001. All wines are estate grown and from organic-certified grapes. · A very pretty nose of red raspberries, strawberries and violets. Clean red fruits and well-integrated tannins. A wine of appealing harmony. Reviewed December 16, 2007

Winery: Girasole
From article: Pinot Noir Shootout Prelims