1999 Byron Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

[wondersofwine]

Revisited this California Pinot Noir at Sullivan's Restaurant in Raleigh to accompany broiled salmon, risotto with slivers of shitake mushrooms, finely chopped chives and an infusion of white truffle oil. (I think there was some soy sauce in the sauce also.) The wine was as enjoyable as I first thought. Translucent light burgundy in color. Nose and palate dominated by red cherries (but not the icky cherry cola found in some California pinots). A balanced wine with soft tannins that I really liked. Believe it retails for about $25 a bottle. I remember at my first tasting at a wine dinner at Sullivan's, some of the people at my table thought it would be more expensive than it was. Forgot to mention that Byron is part of the Robert Mondavi family of wines.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 10-15-2002).]

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 10-15-2002).]