2010 Serra Vineyards Pinto Noir. 14.2% nose shows boozyness, but the taste doesn't show what you smell. Blackberry, currents and a nice acidity that paired with the dinner of mashed gold potatoes, broccoli and grilled USDA Prime tri-tip steaks. (200 case production)
After dinner I opened a bottle of 2009 Cricket Hill Winery Cab Franc (probaby my favorite varietal) pissed my lady off because she's dieting and they don't open back up until april. VERY SMALL production, and Duane (the owner/blender) didn't want to do a pure varietal of the Cab Franc (he does right bank Bordeaux) but his wife made him.....it's goddamm spectacular. Dark cherry, bold presence and just a hit of booze on the finish. His Rendeavous 2010 is another of our favorites, it's a blend. This next season his first Rose will be ready, we're probably going to buy a case. He doesn't do memberships, and his prices are 20-29$ per bottle, very good for the quality and definition of small batch.