07 Arissa Jane Pinot Noir

The Arissa Jane Pinot Noir from Sonoma is the second label for Adrian Fog which produces some of the finest Anderson Valley Pinots available. The Arissa Jane runs in the $20-$30 range where as the Adrian Fog tops $75. The 07 Arissa Jane needs some air-time. The first glass was closed to the palate as well as the nose. Upon first taste, it came across as extremely bland without a lot of depth and somewhat chalky. I set it aside and tried it again an hour or so later. The wine was totally different. Bursting with mixed berries (blackberries and plums), and the nose popped with an mossy-forest floor-crushed cherries aroma. I enjoyed this wine, but was not too impressed for the price point. I have found others in the range that was far superior. Maybe I have become too much of an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir snob....

I rate this wine 6.75 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck

2004 Murphy-Goode Petite Verdot

Petite Verdot is normally used as a blending grape to add balance to other varietals. In my opinion, very few wineries are able to make an outstanding 100% Petite Verdot wine. Murphy-Goode does it vintage after vintage with high marks. This big and bold mouthful offers cocoa, black cherry and plum flavors. This wine can be very tannic, but let it breath for about an hour and it becomes as smooth as silk. The finish on the 04 is outstanding..I timed it..over a minute. If you do not appreciate wines that come at you head first and kick you in the teeth....pass on this one. Nothing delicate about this monster.

I rate this wine 8.4 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck

07 Wild Rock "Cupids Arrow"Pinot Noir

Folks, if you are looking for an outstanding Pinot that does not break the bank, here it is. This offering from the Central Otago region of New Zealand brings to the mouth an explosion of raspberries, cherries and a hint of herbal undertones. The color of this wine is a beautiful medium reddish/maroon. The nose immediately picks up an assortment of red berries ranging from strawberry to cranberry...also a small smattering of clove and spice box. Very fine tannins that are balanced out with a little acidity produces a smooth finish. I have seen this wine range from $15-$22 per bottle. I would recommend taking advantage of a 15% case discount if you can fine one at your local wine shop.

I rate this wine 8.25 Bigbecks out of 10

Beck