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

Packaged in a heavy bottle with a wax capsule, the 2001 Pinot Noir La Grande Colline is ripe (possibly over-ripe), with new oak and smoke presented in a more extreme style than its siblings. The dark plum/ruby color is followed by abundant quantities of plum, fig, jammy black cherry and berry notes with hints of smoky oak and earth. Initially, I thought it was inferior to the Garys’ and Pisoni cuvees, but the longer it sat in the glass, the more it seemed to find its equilibrium and definition, eventually revealing notions of caramel and vanilla. Impressively long, it may merit 90 points with more bottle age. My current rating is conservative, but there is a lot to like in this Pinot Noir. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.Tel. (805) 938-5050