Littorai’s winemaker, Ted Lemon, brings remarkable balance to the pinot noirs he picks from various sites in Sonoma Coast, Russian River and Anderson Valley. Originating from the latter, the 2006 Roman Vineyard, originally released in late 2008, is a remarkable blending of Burgundian technique with Californian character. The wine is a light but complex shade of garnet, yet the flavors are ripe and mature. The fruit, combining cherry and plum, jumps out at first with a light floral accent, but spicier and earthier notes, with a light, heady sort of pastry or maybe cocoa powder accent adding on to it. The wine is silky and accomplished, with moderate acid good body and good length. The alcohol, at a stated 14.1%, does not produce any heat, though a little richness and voluptuous character. This is a wine that drinks itself, and could be enjoyed by itself over the course of an evening – though a duck breast certainly wouldn’t do it any wrong. Enjoy now or within the next couple of years. Highly recommended.
More information about this wine and other cuvées by Littorai can be found on Rémy Charest’s Wine Case blog.
WHO: Littorai Wines
WHAT: Pinot Noir
WHEN: 2006
WHERE: Anderson Valley, California
HOW MUCH: approx. $60 (Canadian)
