2010 Coteaux Nobles Pinot Noir

The 2010 Pinot Noir Coteaux Nobles is quite delicate and sensual in this vintage. Expressive red berries, sweet spices and flowers take shape in the glass. A soft, fruity Pinot, the 2010 Coteaux Nobles should drink well upon release. Sweet floral notes add an element of lift on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020. Luc Morlet must surely have one of the broadest portfolios in California between the wines he makes under his own labels and for his consulting clients. There are a lot of beautiful wines in this range, although I have to admit, I tend to prefer the wines Morlet makes in Napa Valley over those from Sonoma. I have a slight preference for the 2011 Chardonnays over the 2010s, as I find the more recent vintage a touch more refined. In addition to these wines, I also tasted all of the 2011 Pinots, but found them in an awkward, raw state that is not unusual for young wines from this cold and very late harvest. Tel. (707) 967-8690

Good medium red. Spicy raspberry, strawberry and cherry on the rather Burgundian nose and palate, along with a whiff of graphite. Silky, spicy and seamless, with an almost liqueur-like quality and lovely inner-mouth perfume. This round, pliant pinot finishes long, with an exotic spice and earth character. Note that Morlet bottled his 2010 chardonnays, pinot noirs and syrah the week before my annual visit.

The 2010 Pinot Noir Coteaux Nobles is a gorgeous, supple wine laced with sweet red fruit, kirsch, hard candy and flowers. Balance and harmony are the hallmarks. This is a gorgeous, sophisticated wine from Luc Morlet.