The Mount Eden 2009 Pinot Noir Estate opens with striking aromatics that lead to an expressive core of sweet red berries, crushed flowers, tobacco and spices. It is an impeccably balanced, refined wine loaded with class. In short, this is an American classic. The wine should be even better in another few years once the aromas flesh out. The Estate was not racked until it was prepared for bottling, which was done with no fining or filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Mount Eden is a reference point winery, especially known for fine, ageworthy Chardonnays. I tasted a wide range of wines with Owner and Winemaker Jeffrey Patterson, one of the pioneers of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Mount Eden has a new, entry-level series called Domaine Eden, which is made partially from grapes sourced from a hillside property in Saratoga that once belonged to Cinnabar and that had originally been planted with Mount Eden clones. Ideally the Mount Eden wines need to be opened well in advance, as they can be a bit awkward when young. Tel (888) 865-9463; info@mounteden.com