Wine & Spirits:  Rated as "Exceptional example of their type"

"There's a wild edge to this savory, meaty Pinot. It fills out with air, the savory flavors matched by a burst of strawberry and high-toned cherry sweetness. It finishes cool, with a stony mineral character and lasting complexity. Decant a bottle for braised duck legs."

Winery:  "Our 2006 vintage Firestone Vineyard Rancho Santa Rosa Pinot Noir has concentrated aromas of raspberries, strawberries and baking spices. Vanilla and toast notes are acquired by barrel aging in French oak. The wine has a round, silky texture and is very elegant to taste.

Our 2006 Pinot Noir hails from Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, where cool marine air nurtures the Pinot Noir grape to perfect maturity.  This limited-production wine was crafted from superior fruit, then aged for 14 months in French oak barrels to capture our finest winemaking efforts."

Wired For Wine:  The Firestone Pinot Noir is great with a simple roasted chicken.  Scatter garlic cloves inside and out of the cavity and only baste once to create a lusciously crisp skin.  Ramp up the comfort factor with a big serving of our favorite version of champ, silky mashed potatoes made with baby peas and scallions.  Another fantastic option for this Pinot's meatiness is duck.  How about a delicious cassoulet that's cooked for hours, or a classic roast duck with tart cherries?  We'll be enjoying a glass with a nutty chunk of Gruyère and some crusty baguette while we decide what we're in the mood for.  You?

Size:  750 ml
Vintage:  2006
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol:  14.5%
Barrel aging:  14 months in French oak.
Region:  Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California