Grapelive Daily Pick

By Kerry Winslow

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balletto07.gif2007 Balletto Pinot Noir “Winery Block” Russian River Valley, Sonoma County.
I have seen this wine just hitting the shelves in wine markets, and even drove by the winery a few times, but this was my first taste, and I’m very impressed. This is a serious Pinot that shows its terroir and has really good clean flavors. The nose is a bouquet of flowers, spice, red fruits and smoky sweet oak, and the palate is big and round with nice depth and a creamy texture, with lots of juicy red berry, cherry and plum fruit in smooth layers. The hints of Asian spices, lavender, fennel and warm vanilla all just add to the goodness here and everything flows in balance and the finish is long and rich. Only 300 cases were made in this super vintage.  ($34-40 Est.) 92-93 Points, grapelive
Balletto Vineyards

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By admin