Central Coast Pinot Noir tasting

[wondersofwine]

Earlier this month I attended a tasting at Elliott's on Linden in Pinehurst. We had four Pinot Noirs from the Central Coast, CA along with small tapas dishes.
First was the 2006 Tarrica, Pinot Noir, Monterey County, retailing at $16. Deep rose color, paler than many Pinots, fruity berry flavors, medium-length finish, nice and not just cherry cola. I liked this as did another at my table but his wife found it too light-bodied, comparing it to drinking like water. I thought it was a good QPR and serviceable as an everyday drinker or party wine.
Next was 2007 Bishops Peak, Pinor Noir, San Luis Obispo, retailing at $25. Hot pink to fuchsia color. This wine did not appeal to me.
Third was 2006 Lane Tanner "Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Barbara County (460 cases) retailing at $40. I found this to have a more complex nose that the first two with raspberry and foresty scents. I liked it.
Last up was 2005 Carr "Clos Pepe" Santa Maria, retailing at $60. This was my favorite of the tasting but too expensive. Darker purple-red color, semi-transparent. Rich fruit, slightly chewy with dark cherries. Medium-length finish.
Of the accompanying tapas, my favorite was a sauteed mushroom dish. I stayed for dinner at Elliott's after the tasting.

[Kcwhippet]

Many say that the wine really gets made in the vineyard. Wes Hagen is near fanatical about the fruit from Clos Pepe, almost as much as Peter Cargasacchi. I've yet to hear anything bad about a wine made from Clos Pepe fruit. Loring and Siduri also use Clos Pepe and their wines are just north of $40.

Just did some checking, and it looks like the Carr usually retails for about $40 as well. I wonder why it should be $60 down in NC.

[This message has been edited by Kcwhippet (edited 10-27-2008).]

[wondersofwine]

I wonder about that too. I liked their Pinot Gris so well that I bought three bottles direct from the winery when it was sold out in Raleigh last year. On this recent trip to Santa Barbara County I bought two more bottles of the Pinot Gris and one bottle of Pinot Noir (probably not the Clos Pepe) for a total of about $91 including tax.
They have a tasting room in Santa Barbara.