Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carneros Garnet 2010

The two Pinot Noirs include the screw cap-finished 2009 Garnet. This is a delightful, fruit-driven, lighter style of Pinot with plenty of cherries and spice as well as a hint of herbs. Simple, medium-bodied, but very satisfying, it should be drunk over the next several years.

A smooth, elegant, refined style, with ripe cherry, mushroom, earth and anise flavors that pick up a floral note. Drink now through 2004.

Lots of ripe, rich, jammy blackberry and black cherry fruit that is supple and well-centered, offering depth and concentration, with surprisingly firm tannins (for Garnet). A winner. Drink now through 2005.

Medium cherry-red. Vibrant aromas of crushed cherry and raspberry. Fruity, supple and juicy, with a restrained sweetness to the red fruit and spice flavors. Rich for this bottling, and very easy to drink. Finishes fresh, with a dusting of tannins and good length.

Aromas of black cherry, black tea, forest floor; loamy, full mouthfeel.

For years Saintsbury has been blending their lighter styled, more perfumed lots to create “Garnet” named for the precious stone. It is created to be a bright, red fruit filled easy drinking Pinot Noir. Drink now or hold 2-5 years. Aged for 8 months in French oak - 20% of which was new.

Bright red. Fruit-riven aromas of cherry, raspberry and orange peel. Tangy flavors of spicy red fruits. Finishes brisk and persistent, with easy tannins and a note of strawberry.