Two from Carneros

[wondersofwine]

2002 Saintsbury Carneros Pinot noir (ordered from winery--about $25 average on several wine-searcher sites but their are listings for less)
13.5% alcohol
Dark ruby color--not opaque but has some density of color.
Has a touch of "Carneros cola" on the nose and palate; also some boysenberry on the palate. Rich taste. I think I detect a little oak influence.

1999 Greg Opitz Pinot Noir (grapes from Melissa Moravec at Casa Carneros I believe).
Cost about $25
Dark, dense purple--almost black.
Luscious, ripe, velvety flavors--blackberries, dark plumskin. A big Pinot Noir with some acidity to balance the fruit-bomb tendencies. Showed up the other Carneros in comparison: the 2002 Saintsbury (and I generally like Saintsbury Pinots). The Greg Opitz avoided the cola flavor of some Carneros P.N. I drank it with an onion and mushroom flavored meatloaf and baked potato. Beautiful wine. Amazing grapes.


[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 02-28-2006).]