Cartlidge and Browne Central Coast Pinot Noir 2010

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

Winemakers sometimes limit their selections to the grapes that grow on their vineyards. Others don’t grow their own grapes but purchase them on contracts. The winemakers at Cartlidge & Browne source grapes from about 1,000 acres of vineyards throughout California in their quest to make wines modeled after the European style.

Of course, the success of either method rests in what pours in the glass, which in this case turns out to be quite delicious. The pinot is quite balanced and displays aromatics of earth and spice with bright red fruit flavors and a traditional silky finish.

Sherry: “Medium-bodied and very fruity, with a cherry flavor and a touch of pineapple.” 3 stars

Chris: “Bright strawberry and cherry with a hint of toffee on the finish.” 3-1/2 stars

Available locally for about $13.

Coming next week: Turn Me Red

Treasure Hunter Pinot Noir

By CHRIS and SHERRY HARDIE
Romance is intertwined with the wine industry, but it is a business after all.

The 3 Finger Wine Co. - which markets Treasure Hunter - doesn't own a vineyard or a winery. Treasure Hunter labels are négociant wines, purchased from other winemakers. It's a delicate balance to find quality wines, best done when there is an excess of fine wines on the market so you're not scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Treasure Hunter seems to get it right. This Sonoma Valley wine displays the aroma, flavor and mouthfeel of a quality pinot.

Sherry: "Soft, fruity and smooth with flavors of strawberry, cherry and light licorice on the finish." 3-1/2 stars

Chris: "Beefy nose, soft cherry with a bit of strawberry and a red licorice finish." 3-1/2 stars

Available locally for about $16.

Coming next week:

Le Grand Noir GSM

Nelson is one of New Zealand's smaller wine regions, comprising the top portion of the country's southern island. This vintage comes from vineyards on a wide river flat.

The proximity to the ocean helps moderate the temperatures, which is key to growing this finicky grape, which is picked in late March and April. The wine was stored in French barrels for a year before it was bottled.

Pinots are generally soft and delicate, but this wine has a strong, tannic backbone. The wine opened up and displayed some of its berry fruit flavors and cinnamon spice when accompanied by food.

Sherry: "Very dry, acidic raspberry with a vanilla finish." 2-1/2 stars

Chris: "Cinnamon and beefy bouquet, cherry flavor and a bit of vanilla at the end of a dry finish." 3 stars

Available locally for about $15.

Coming next week: Muscat de Beaulieu