An Excellent Pair of Pinots

Solid Pinot Noir at a good price is seemingly harder and harder to find. These two picks, however, more than deliver for their respective prices.

2008 Pali Wine Co Pinot Noir Riviera
Sonoma Coast -- $19.99

On the nose, a bright bouquet of plum, fresh raspberries, wild blackberries, coriander, lavender, iron and cinnamon. The palate is rich and full with black fruits intertwined with fresh raspberry, black pepper and wet stone that resonate in a fanning finish of sweet red currant and dark chocolate. This is 100% Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast AVA. 30% new French Oak; 9 months in barrel before release.




2007 Copain Tous Ensemble Pinot Noir Anderson Valley -- $29.99

All organically farmed Pinot Noir. The bright cherry, black tea and subtle spice aromas are pure and clean. Flavors mirror the aromas and are complimented with black cherry, pain grille and talc like tannins. The finish is long and lingering with bright acidity keeping the flavors focused. Delicious now, another year in the cellar will only help meld the flavors more and should drink well over the next 5-7 years.