2006 Pinot Noir, Carneros

"Wine of the Week"

2006 Pinot Noir, Carneros

Grapes for this wine were harvested from Merryvale's estate vineyards and the noted Stanly Ranch vineyard. The fruit is derived from relatively new Pinot Noir clones that are producing Carneros wines of great depth and character. After fermentation, the wine is aged eight to 10 months in more than 50 percent new French oak before it is bottled. Exceptionally well-balanced, this high-quality wine shows great complexity, intense aromas and flavors, crisp acidity and supple, well-integrated tannins. In the glass, an engaging bouquet of fresh strawberry, vanilla, chocolate and toasty oak beckons, followed by cherries, spice and a hint of earthiness. Although it's a delicious aperitif, this incredibly versatile wine shines when paired with salmon, tuna, wild mushrooms, duck, veal and many other dishes.

- Brenda Maitland

"Sante Selections"

2006 Pinot Noir, Carneros

Clean, bright red berry and blueberry aromas and flavors with a hint of earthiness. Medium to full bodied with good balance and a note of citrus in the finish. Salmon with pesto.

- Tasting Panel

"Best wine I've tasted lately..."

2006 Pinot Noir, Carneros

Merryvale Vineyards, of St. Helena, Calif., always turns out dependable wines – rich, fruity, with no hard edges. Their 2006 Merryvale Pinot Noir, Carneros is even better than usual.

The grapes come from the Stanly Ranch on the Napa side of Carneros, a good growing area cooled by fogs from San Pablo Bay. Vineyard workers sorted the grapes three times, in the vineyard, before de-stemming and again before crushing).

The wines were aged for eight months in French Oak.

The result is a rich, full California-style pinot noir, with aromas and flavors of black cherries and bitter-sweet chocolate – smooth and creamy, with a long finish.

- Fred Tasker

2006 Pinot Noir, Carneros

The core Merryvale wines are expertly-crafted Napa Valley varietals, made with obvious care and attention in both the vineyard and the winery.

2006 Pinot Noir, Carneros: Juicy and clean with lively acidity, fresh red cherry and notes of earth; silky and long, with spice, fresh fruit and fine texture.

- Anthony Dias Blue

"Tasting Notes"

2006 Pinot Noir, Carneros

Remarkable spice component adds interest to red cherry and delicate pomegranate aroma. Silky entry and succulent mid-palate fruit. Slightly spiced finish to pair with roast beef.

- Dan Berger