2005 BearBoat Pinot Noir

The palate opens with a tsunami of unsweetened red fruit, cranberries and wild strawberries and cherries, along with some marjoram and sage. Some cocoa and black tea appear on the mid-palate. Tannins are firm and acids sharp at first, but after an hour or two of air, it smooths out into a well integrated wine. For under $25, this is a terrific bargain for a wine that would complement anything from chicken to lamb chops.

WHO BearBoat
WHAT Pinot Noir
WHERE California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
WHEN 2005
HOW MUCH $24