Dierberg Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley 2006

Why Buy: The Dierberg Pinot is uniquely a big, full Santa Barbara Pinot while being structured and elegant at the same time. One of the most distinctive Pinots this far south for the best price.

Price : $37

Details:

Wild and dark berries, with notes of cocoa and California chaparral (think sage herbs and wildfire and more). Rich and full, draped in sexy, silky tannins. Confidence and finesse. This is a rare find from the land that the movie Sideways made famous.

Notes: Age-worthy. This Dierberg Pinot is drinking deliciously now, but has the structure to develop even more. Some would be tempted to suggest it has a Burgundian style... I would like to coin the term "Chaparral style." It uniquely expresses its terrior and has a character all its own.

Occasion and Pairing: Grilled chicken breast marinated in chimichurri sauce. Herb-rubbed roasted squab with garlic mashed potatoes. Lamb and fig stew.

State: California

Region: Central Coast

Ava: Santa Maria Valley

Food Pairing Recommendations

Purple Potato & Carrot Side Dish