Another terrific effort is Tantara’s 2007 Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard. Ten percent stems were included in this wine, resulting in a grand cru like red. Flowery (roses?) notes intermixed with sweet black and red currant fruit, forest floor, and incense aromas are followed by a full-bodied wine with fabulous concentration, sweet, silky tannins, a layered, multidimensional mouthfeel, and a stunning, 40+ second finish. This beauty can be approached now or cellared for a decade or more. This is a fascinating, exceptionally high quality group of Pinot Noirs. They tend to range in the mid-14% alcohol levels, with the oak regime generally around 30-60% new. Tantara’s policy with respect to fermenting with stems varies from zero to as much as 20% for the Dierberg, Evelyn, Bien Nacido Old Vine, and Solomon Hills. Production is relatively limited, from a low of under 90 cases for the Bien Nacido Old Vine and Brosseau, to just over 200 cases for some vineyards. The most limited cuvees are the two single vineyard lots of Burt and La Grande Colline, approximately 24 cases of each. Most of these wines, save for a handful of exceptions that are noted, are capable of lasting 8-10 years or more. for a handful of exceptions that are noted, are capable of lasting 8-10 years or more. Kudos to Tantara for a very impressive line-up of Pinots. Tel. (805) 938-5051; Fax (805) 938-0036