2008 Chasseur Pinot Noir Rayhill

The dark ruby/plum-hued 2008 Pinot Noir Rayhill is another limited production (125 cases), unfined, unfiltered effort displaying a complex nose of forest floor, black raspberries and currants, medium to full body, good acidity and an attractive, textured, opulent mouthfeel. It is one of the most exuberant and flamboyant of the 2008 Pinots, and should continue to drink well for another 5-7 years. Chasseur is a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist, and a fine one at that. What follows is not the entire portfolio, but it is a relatively comprehensive look at four Chardonnays and then a bevy of Pinot Noirs from both the 2008 and 2009 vintages. I was able to taste eight already bottled 2009 Pinot Noirs and nine 2008s. The 2008s include several generic bottles such as the Russian River and Sonoma Coast offerings. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs primarily come from Russian River sites with the Joyce from the Sonoma Coast. The alcohol levels range from a low of 14% to a high of 15%, and production levels are modest with several in the 75-125 case range. Tel. (707) 829-1941