The 2007 Pinot Noir Gulf Station was 100% destemmed with no whole bunches. It was aged in 20% new French oak. Medium ruby in color, it emits pleasant, toasty raspberry and rhubarb aromas followed by a medium-bodied Pinot with sweet but superficial fruit, lively acidity, and a slightly tart, puckering finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. De Bortoli owns estate vineyards in Riverina, Hunter Valley, and Yarra Valley and produces several tiers of dry table wines in addition to their sweet and fortified dessert wines.Importer: De Bortoli Wines, North America; www.debortoli.com.auAlso tasted: 2007 Sauvignon Blanc- Semillon Windy Peak (75), 2007 Viognier Windy Peak (80), 2006 Pinot Noir Vat 10 (78), 2007 Pinot Noir Windy Peak (72), 2006 Pinot Noir Estate Grown (82?), 2006 Shiraz, McLaren Vale

A silky, lightweight Pinot Noir, this wine’s aromas and flavors are dominated by tart berries (cherry, cranberry) and an intriguing herbal edge (wintergreen?). Too bad it fades fast on the finish; it’s a rather pretty little wine.——J.C.(12/31/2008)—— 86