Pinot Noir, EMERITUS, Hallberg Ranch, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, 2010

EMERITUS. (ē–mer´–i–tus), Latin, past participle of ēmerērī, to earn by service. Emeritus Vineyards was created to make authentic Pinot Noir-one that especially speaks of elegance and charm.  Founder/Owner; Brice Cutrer Jones, is famous for Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay. Now he is now applying the same passion, skill, and marketing savvy he and his team to Pinot Noir.

• SOPHISTICATED
•  freshly cut flowers
• red and black cherry
• mushroom
• earthy darkness
•  intensity and noteworthy tannins

The HALLBERG RANCH,  home of Emeritus Vineyards lies along Sonoma County’s GOLD RIDGE-a ten-mile-long, low ridge in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Rolling hills slope to the southwest giving the vines optimum sun exposure, allowing the grapes to ripen with vibrant flavors, sensuous velvety texture, and seductive aromas.

And please reply to this blog; 
have you tried this Pinot Noir?

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Variety the Spice of Life; Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir makes some of the lightest red wines around. They can sometimes be fuller bodied than normal and stretch into the medium body red wine territory.  No matter how light-bodied a Pinot Noir may be; it will also be complex and nuanced.  It might take a discerning palate to notice all the layers of flavor and hints of tastes, making this wine one that is always SOPHISTICATED and when it is really good; sensuous.

Flavors Commonly Experienced :

• Strawberry

• Cranberry

•  Mushroom

• Mint

• Vanilla  Smoky / Oak    

• Violet

• Floral  

• Underbrush  

Pinot Noir grows well in cool climates around the world, including California, New Zealand and France it's home.  Pinot Noir was already in Burgundy when the Romans invaded Gaul and it was among the first vines to be domesticated and cultivated.  It's name, dates to the fourth century; "Pinot" which comes from its small pinecone shaped clusters and "Noir" it's dark almost black color.  With the notable exception of Champagne, Pinot Noir is almost never blended with other grapes. 

Some Recommended Pinot Noir...

• Pinot Noir, EMERITUS, Hallberg Ranch, Russian River Valley,  Sonoma, California
• Pinot Noir, A TO Z, Oregon
• Pinot Noir, GREG NORMAN, Santa Barbara County, California
• Pinot Noir, BUENA VISTA, "VITICULTURAL SOCIETY" Sonoma County, California

And please reply to this blog; 
what is your  favorite Pinot Noir?

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Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos Du Val, Napa Valley, California, 2010

Clos Du Val, French for “small vineyard estate of a small valley,” founded in 1972 in the now legendary STAGS LEAP DISTRICT by Franco-American entrepreneur John Goelet.

·    POWERFUL 

·     opulent, brooding purple hue

·     aromas of ripe black and red fruit, black pepper and hints of toast.

·     chocolate, toffee and ripe blackberry.

·     rich, full mouthfeel marked by focused, silky tannins

·     and a long, lingering finish.

The iconic label features an artistic depiction of the mischievous daughters of Zeus, the Three Graces; Splendor, Mirth and Joy.  In ancient Greece they were know for dancing, singing and being the life of Olympian parties.  Makes you want to open a bottle just to let the Three Graces into your life and who knows they might even make your own party Olympic!

And please reply to this blog; 
have you tried this Cabernet Sauvignon?

BRANNON'S CAFE
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