BJORNSTAD PINOT NOIR

The first pinot of the season was a resounding success. Although the temperatures in San Diego have suddenly risen to summer-like conditions, we decided to venture into the red wine shelves of the storage unit.

The 2006 Bjornstad Hellenthal Pinot Noir is a fabulous wine that captures the essence of the rugged Sonoma coast terroir. The Hellenthal vineyard is located less than five miles from the Pacific Ocean where long wet and cool winters are the norm. On the nose, cassis and cherry are dominant. In the glass, the color is a deep ruby and offers good acid and tannin structure with a long finish. The bold flavors of cherry, anise and spice combine for a complex wine that stands up to various robust dishes.

We served it with a Prime-Rib eye steak, pomme darphin and a simple heirloom tomato / frisee salad. For dessert: a comte aged twelve months.

Excellent

Approximate retail price: $50.00