($42): If you see a wine from Presqu’ile (pronounced “press-keel”) on a wine list or in your retailer’s shop, buy it.  You’ll likely be very happy.  Take this Pinot Noir, for example.  The Santa Maria Valley is a superb locale for the so-called “cool climate” grapes, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay because the valley runs East-West.  This East-West orientation allows cool air from the Pacific to stream in, dropping day and nighttime temperatures.  Half of the grapes for the wine came from the famed Bien Nacido vineyard, one third from their own Presqu’ile vineyard, and the remainder from the nearby Solomon Hills Vineyard.  Wonderfully juicy and bright–cool weather speaking–red and black fruit flavors merge seamlessly with savory notes.  The flavors dance on the palate without a trace of heaviness.  This is a pure, long and refined wine, showing the allure of Pinot Noir.  Winemakers elsewhere take note:  Presqu’ile delivers incredible flavor at 13.1 percent stated alcohol.  Given the prices of red Burgundy and California Pinot Noir, $42 for this wine is a bargain.
95 Michael Apstein Jun 27, 2017