Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/57654
REPORT RITZY PINOT #2: "DEPTH OF CHARACTER" Guarachi Family Wines 2010 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($50) F rom TGIC Importers founder Alex Guarachi, the grapes are grown on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain on the Gap's Crown Vineyard along the Sonoma Coast. This latest release went through 18 days of maceration and 11 months of aging in French oak. 980 cases produced. "Ripe fruit, a hint of rhubarb and candied cherries; almost liqueur-like with a dab of vanilla and toast." —Geoff Kruth "Explosive fruit aromatics: dark cher- ries, raspberries and blueberry. Reminds me of a Farmer's Market in the middle of summer." —Jai Wilson Peter Young of Titan Wine & Spirits of California. RITZY PINOT #3: "YOUTHFUL, FEMININE AND FRESH" Oyster Bay 2010 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($20) T his Marlborough Pinot Noir, made from fruit from the Waiwara and Awatere Valleys, sees a long growing season, averaging a month longer than Napa. The locally owned winery—not part of a conglomer- ate—has a separate Pinot wing. The family has been farm- ing grapes since the 1940s and Pinot Noir for the past 15 years. "A fragrant, fresh nose with a rosy-hued juiciness and just- ripened red berries." —Meridith May "Subtle and subdued. A little patience reveals a mushroom sous bois element with building layers of complexity. " —Jai Wilson Steve Wyngard of Oyster Bay Wines. 88 / the tasting panel / march 2012 SPEED T AS TING