On Saturday we decided to taste Pinot Noirs from the Russian River. After spending some time at Total wine and getting some help from Peter we picked up three wines at three different price points, $20, $40, and $70, below are the results of our Saturday test.

Name:2009 River Road Boschetti Vineyard - $20

Grape: Pinot Noir

Area: California, Russian River

Color: Light Garnet

Nose: Herbaceous Green pepper, mint, Eucalyptus, cassis and pepper

Taste: Very green and lean with a carmel mouth feel. Quick finish and acidic.

General Impression(s): It needs food. This is a very dry acidic wine.

Name: 2008 Barnett Vineyard (Tina Marie) - $40

Area: California, Russian River

Color: Dark garnet

Nose: Oaky,vanilla, dark cherry and sweet beets

Taste: Tannins, cherry long finish with a velvet texture

General Impression(s): A strong example of a russian river pinot with a lot of extraction and a bit heavy handed with the use of new oak.

Name: 2008 DuMOL - $70

Color: Ruby red

Nose: dark cherry, smoke and spice, white pepper and mint

Taste: Well integrated tannins with a long smooth finish.

General Impression(s): A Burgundian style California wine with a long aging potential. Smooth and elegant wine. The wine maker has a good understanding of the delicate nature of pinot and does not overwhelm with new oak. This wine can age for another 10 years.