Beringer Stanley Ranch Pinot Noir 1997

Pinot Noir is a grape with attitude. It wants things its own way-including terrain and temperature during both growing and winemaking-and it responds well only to tender, not tough, handling. But I think it is well worth the effort. When Pinot Noir is good, it is very, very good, complex and subtle at the same time, with layers and layers of flavor to be teased out. I consider this grape varietal doubly rewarding when things work well, as I believe they did in this very special vintage. To me, this wine is mouthfilling and very fruit-forward, with loads of bright berry and plum aromas and flavors, layered with cigar-box cedar, sweet vanilla, a touch of a mint, and an elusive light smokiness. -Ed Sbragia, Winemaster