Grapelive Wine of the Day
By Kerry Winslow
***
2010 Cazar Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (by Hunter Wines-Chasseur)
Cazar is the second label to the well known and prized Chasseur label and offers amazing quality for the money, especially this beautiful and textured Pinot Noir from great vineyard sources around the Russian River and Sonoma Coast regions. The 2010 vintage shows the lighter touch the year gave, but it is not far off the depth of 2009 and makes for a more balanced and vibrant wine with balance and focus, really this Pinot is a steal. The nose shows dark fruit, subtle oak toast, roses and violets leading to a core of cherry and raspberry fruit layers with some plum and baking spices. There is good grip and zesty acidity keeping things in check, but overall this wine is silky and refined with a long finish. While the Chasseur label continues to impress at the higher end, the Cazar gives great fun, enjoyment and value, I highly recommend grabbing some of this very good Pinot Noir while it lasts.
($20-22 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
Available at www.sfwtc.com ($18.95)
***