Domaine Carneros, Carneros (California) Pinot Noir “The Famous Gate” 2006

($68): This wine, Domaine Carneros’s super-duper cuvee, undoubtedly a blend of their best barrels, has the graceful marriage of fruit and earth flavors you’d expect from a top-end Pinot Noir.   It shows more complexity and haunting non-fruit nuances, but less of the direct sweet cherry-like flavors than their regular ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir (also reviewed this week).  The tannins, mild and unobtrusive, are perfectly integrated, and the bright acid, especially in the finish, keeps the wine vibrant. 92 Michael Apstein Sep 23, 2008