A single barrel offering, the purple-hued 2007 Pinot Noir La Grande Colline Vineyard looks more like a Syrah than what one expects from a Pinot. It possesses oodles of power, but is extremely backward and structured. Super-concentrated, rich, and just beginning to hint at its ultimate potential, this effort should merit an even higher score with a few more years of bottle age. Blueberry, black raspberry, blackberry, graphite, mineral, and incense characteristics are presented in a superb, full-bodied, structured wine. Forget it for 2-3 years, and drink it over the following 10-15+. This is a fascinating, exceptionally high quality group of Pinot Noirs. They tend to range in the mid-14% alcohol levels, with the oak regime generally around 30-60% new. Tantara’s policy with respect to fermenting with stems varies from zero to as much as 20% for the Dierberg, Evelyn, Bien Nacido Old Vine, and Solomon Hills. Production is relatively limited, from a low of under 90 cases for the Bien Nacido Old Vine and Brosseau, to just over 200 cases for some vineyards. The most limited cuvees are the two single vineyard lots of Burt and La Grande Colline, approximately 24 cases of each. Most of these wines, save for a handful of exceptions that are noted, are capable of lasting 8-10 years or more. for a handful of exceptions that are noted, are capable of lasting 8-10 years or more. Kudos to Tantara for a very impressive line-up of Pinots.Tel. (805) 938-5051; Fax (805) 938-0036