Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/57654
REPORT RITZY PINOT #5: "DARK AND EXOTIC" Bolla 2010 Pinot Noir, Lombardia, Italy ($9) Imported by Banfi Vintners W hen Banfi Vintners recently took over Bolla, the wines received a facelift and the style of this long-lived brand was revamped. Grown on sandy, alluvial and calcareous soil, the fruit is hand-harvested in northwest Italy, south of the Po River in the mountainous region of Appennino. "Ripe and ultra floral with damp earth undertones. Roasted beets and cranberry back up against an intense crushed graphite core. Pretty and Burgundian in style." —Ian Cauble "Soft red fruits with a silky texture; cherry blossoms adorn an oak-influenced background. Shows some minerality mid-palate. An Old World style with a nice firm- ness and refreshing acidity." —Chris Gaither Thomas Koehorst is a Regional Accounts Executive for SW&S in California. RITZY PINOT #6: "CINNAMON & CLOVE" Alysian 2009 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($55) A fter Gary Farrell sold his much lauded Gary Farrell brand in 2004, he part- nered with long-time friend Bill Hambrecht in 2007 to craft this ultra-premium label (also producing Chardonnay and Zinfandel). This master of Pinot continues to shine in the Russian River Valley. "The aromatics are gentle and round. Beautiful softness on the palate with some root vegetable, clove and a spiced toffee." —Ian Cauble Debbie Farrell has her hands in the winemaking process with her husband Gary. 90 / the tasting panel / march 2012 "Really gorgeous: deep and complex (violets, stones and earth) with a refreshingly long finish." —Ted Glennon SPEED T AS TING