Beringer Stanley Ranch Pinot Noir 2000

"Lots to like in this impressively lush Pinot Noir. The garnet color leads to aromas of raspberries, plums, smoke and vanilla. Turns rich and delicious in the mouth, with berry and herb flavors wrapped in silky tannins and a finish of Oriental spices. Goes beyond a simple fruity wine to achieve real depth and interest."
-Wine Enthusiast

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