2009 Littorai Pinot Noir Roman Vineyard

The 2009 Pinot Noir Roman boasts incredible depth and richness. Black cherries, exotic, licorice, spices and violets flow from this highly expressive, juicy Pinot. Layers of fruit build effortlessly to the long, resonant finish. The Roman stands out for is fleshy, extroverted fruit.

The 2009 Pinot Noir Roman boasts incredible depth and richness. Black cherries, exotic spices, licorice and violets flow from this highly expressive, juicy Pinot. Layers of fruit build effortlessly to the long, resonant finish. The Roman stands out for its fleshy, extroverted fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. I was totally blown away by the wines I tasted with proprietor Ted Lemon. These are some of the most refined, polished Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs being made in California today. I can’t recommend the wines highly enough. Lemon describes 2009 as a mild season with prolonged bloom that resulted in considerable shatter and a high amount of shot berries. There was no real heat to speak of in September. The 2010s were harvested during the first two weeks of October, much later than the 2009s. I also tasted a handful of 2010 Pinots from tank that appear promising, even if stylistically they aren’t as generous as the 2009s. Tel. (707) 823-9586; www.littorai.com

(from a sandstone knoll owned by Milla Handley): Moderately saturated medium red. Bright aromas of raspberry, currant, orange peel and licorice, plus a whiff of cherry liqueur. Supple, dusty and uncompromisingly dry, with slightly jammy cherry and plum flavors. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. Lemon destemmed this fruit 100% as the stems don't ripen as well here; and the wine always has a high pH, he adds.