WINE MONDAY: David’s Wine of the Week

WINE MONDAY: David’s Wine of the Week David Rosengarten

2011 Dierberg Pinot Noir, Drum Canyon Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, California ($44)dierberg-pinot-noir-sta-rita-hills

The Sta. Rita Hills—also known as the Santa Rita Hills—is a cool growing area in Santa Barbara, but to the west of the usual spots, closer to the ocean. The Drum Canyon Vineyard was snapped up a few years ago by a Pinot producer of some note, Dierberg—and now their Pinot is of even greater note, like this one! OK, it ain’t Burgundy—even Burgundy Grand Crus will seem delicate next to this juice—but the 2011 Dierberg Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills is one delicious gulp! If this wine is not on your radar yet, adjust your radar! A rich, but not scary-dark purple in the glass. Gorgeous nose, combining New World Pinot varietal (something like metallic geraniums) with an utterly intoxicating fruit quality, ripe but not too ripe, something like fresh-picked, sweet strawberries. Rich and round in the mouth, but with remarkable bounce and verve; just when you think it’s heading toward typical California clunkiness, it makes a left turn at Buellton and heads for the sea! You have it both ways with this wine: sensuous mouth-feel, plus lively acidity and fresh juiciness.

Wine4Food

There’s a mild fruity sweetness in this wine that would be lovely with slightly sweet grilled meats—pork with a glaze, BBQ beef ribs, etc. But…it’s not too sweet to be out of the steak game either.

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