Wente Reliz Creek Pinot Noir 2005

Blend: 96% Pinot Noir, 4% Barbera

This wine was named after the creek that runs through the Wente family's estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey, where Wente Vineyards has been growing Pinot Noir since the 1960s. It is the ideal region to grow this Burgundian varietal because of the long, cool growing season, which allows the grapes to fully ripen and develop deep fruit flavors. The gravelly-loam soils found here, rich with shale and limestone deposits, impart desirable earthy and mineral qualities to the wine.

This vintage of Reliz Creek Pinot Noir has refreshing aromas of strawberry cream and vanilla. Flavors of black cherry and cranberry are followed by a smooth, long, fruity finish, with undertones of aromatic cigars.