The large estate was planted in ’81 under the direction of founding partners Paul Toeppen, Phil Johnson and Butch Lindley, who have over 90 years of winemaking experience between them. The parcels of land were carefully chosen with consideration given to climate, soil structure and a reliable water source. The vineyard is one of the largest vineyards in the world and what isn’t bottled at the winery is sold off in bulk to a half-dozen California wineries.

The ’05 vintage in Monterey was a truly classic one. The Pinot Noir in “Block 7” benefited from a long and even growing season. Under the expert eye of winemaker Larry Gomez, the grapes were harvested at full maturity, brought into the winery and cold soaked for 24 hours before they were inoculated with yeast. Fermentation followed and lasted 10 days. The wine was then passed into French oak to complete malo-lactic fermentation. The wine was then racked off the lees and left to mature in French oak for six months.

This is one of the best bargains in California Pinot Noir we have found in years of searching. The nose is traditional Pinot with strawberry and plump cranberry notes, followed by a gentle hint of bacon fat and, as the wine opens with air, fresh picked flowers. In the mouth, the strawberry notes continue, now joined by red cherry flesh and a hint of iodine and mineral. Very well balanced with a supple roundness, this wine can be enjoyed with food or without, each option yielding equal pleasures. Personally I think it will be terrific with traditional Thanksgiving fare.

—Donald