High End Pinot Noir Set

Gros Ventre Pinot Noir "First Born" Sonoma Coast 2013 - $60
Western Sonoma Coast fruit...you can almost hear the crashing waves of the Pacific from these vineyards. Medium/full bodied, smells of potpourri, dried red rose petals, muddled black cherries, pomegranate sauce, framboise, a little pipe tobacco, 5-spice. Finish lasts almost a minute and offers up more of the same goodness. 57% new French oak-aged, 165 cases made. GROS VENTRE River, Jackson Hole WY, is where owners Sarah and Chris Pittenger met. Their "First Born," was not yet born when they started Gros Ventre in 2009

Vivier Pinot Noir "Gap's Crown" Sonoma Coast 2015 - $64
Raised in Burgundy, for decades a Sonoma and Napa winemaker, Stephane Vivier makes outstanding Pinots full of character and precision. "Gap's Crown" Pinots can't help to be broad-shouldered and rich. Vivier harnesses its force, making a Pinot with concentration, complexity and longevity. At turns hearty and delicate, get dark berry/cherry, rosewater, smoke, cocoa, earth. Opens up slowly.

Castalia Pinot Noir "Rochioli Vineyard" Russian River Valley 2015 - $60
Long-time Pinot Noir specialist Castalia has made "Rochioli" Pinot for 20+ years. Owner/maker Terry Bering feels this is his best yet. What a wine it is. Concentrated wild cherry, ruby red grapefruit, red rose, Chinese five spice, candied ginger. Has a strong, silky texture and a 45 second finish of cranberry nut bread, citrus zest and plum sauce. A "Chili Wine," as it's even better the 2nd day it's open.

AldenAlli Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014 - $65
Partnership between the wives of Chef Emeril Lagasse and vintner Dan Kosta. Shane Finley (Kosta Browne winemaker) makes it. From 2 Sonoma Coast vineyards. This is SUPER-tasty, showing both power and cool climate complexity. Sweet red cherries, pie spices, rose/lavender, dried ginger, cardamom. Drinking great now. 450 cases made.