2011 LYRIC by Etude - Tony Soter, founder of Etude Vineyards in Napa Valley, continues to showcase his keen skills while working with this particularly challenging and fickle varietal from winegrowing regions that span from California’s Santa Barbara County to Napa Valley and all the way up to the Yamhill Carlton AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Lryic represents the fullest expression of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir by exhibiting a gorgeously scented red that puts forth subtle toasted oak, fresh berry fruits and various elements of spice and earth tones. On the palate, the wine presents a rich, ripe dark cherry, raspberry and cranberry fruit flavor, balanced with well structured acidity and long smooth finish. $21.99

2012 Belle Glos Meiomi - Established in 1971, the Caymus name has long been associated with top notch Cabernet Sauvignon. Gradually over the years, this family owned winery branched out beyond Napa Valley by creating the well regarded Mer Soleil Chardonnay and Conundrum white blend labels. In 2000 they released their first Pinot Noir under the name “Belle Glos”, chosen in honor of winemaker Joseph Wagner’s grandmother and Caymus co-founder Lorna Belle Glos. Subsequently, three single vineyard bottlings had been created, all becoming quite sought after. Meiomi represents their entry level Pinot Noir produced from grapes collectively sourced from Monterey, Santa Barbara and Sonoma counties. This 2012 bottling puts forth the fullest structured Pinot of this pack by showing opulent fruit flavors of raspberry and plum, integrated with lovely spicy earth notes, sweet oak tannins and a long round finish. $19.99

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