The dense purple-colored 2007 Pinot Noir La Colline Vineyard is more sensual and accessible than La Grande Colline. It also reveals more new oak, one of the few Tantara wines to display copious wood. Nevertheless, there is easily enough fruit to balance out the oak. Dark berry, earth, smoke, spice box, and abundant black fruit characteristics emerge from this rich, full-bodied wine. While more evolved than La Grande Colline, it will benefit from another 1-2 years of cellaring, and should age gracefully for 7-10 years. 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