Normally I don’t l do reviews of wines of very limited to no availability. But in the case of the Shane “The Charm” Pinot Noir I have to make an exception, for Shane Finley is a winemaker to watch. This “spare time” initial offering of Pinot from Shane, who has crafted wines at Kosta Browne, is a stunner. Deeply colored, with an enticing, lively nose of very ripe raspberries yielding to an explosion of fruit on the palate, with hints of chocolate and plum. Languorous finish. As this was Shane’s first Pinot on his own, only 100 cases were produced. But keep your eyes peeled. If his future Pinots are anything like this, leap on them. Perfect with simple grilled lamb chops. Come back, Shane! Highly recommended.
WHO: Shane Wine Cellars
WHAT: Pinot Noir
WHERE: Russian River Valley, California
WHEN: 2009
HOW MUCH: $45
