The sweet red currant, plum, and sassafras-scented and flavored 2008 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast exhibits a medium ruby color, copious fruit and elegance, and a crisp, fresh style. It is ideal for drinking over the next 3-4 years. Ehren Jordan’s yields in 2008 were one-half of normal, primarily due to the frost and poor flowering. Consequently, the level of concentration in some of his wines is slightly higher than normal. Jordan is a Francophile, and his impressive resume includes being one of the masterminds behind the Turley Zinfandels. He is all about natural winemaking, securing top terroirs, and putting into the bottle the essence of what the grape and the site have produced. Tel. (707) 942-4699; Fax (707) 942-5142

A good, complex Pinot Noir that shows the dramatic structure of the far Sonoma Coast. It’s rich in acidity and tannins, yet still is silky and gentle in the mouth. The cherry, raspberry, cola and sandalwood flavors are delicious. Very fine now and for a few more years. ——S.H.(7/1/2010)—— 90