2010 Failla Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

The 2010 Pinot Noir is absolutely beautiful. A little more solid than the 2011, the 2010 displays tons of immediacy for a Sonoma Coast Pinot. Juicy red berries meld into high-toned floral notes as the wine opens up in the glass. A host of savory and saline nuances develop later, adding further complexity. This is a drop-dead gorgeous, entry-level Pinot from Ehren Jordan and Failla. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Ehren Jordan is one of those people who are maddeningly talented at many things. Jordan recently left his post at Turley, where he spent nearly 20 years making a dizzying array of superb Zinfandels. At Failla, which Jordan owns with his wife Anne-Marie, the focus is on cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinots, rendered in a range that approximates Turley when it comes to the number of different bottlings. Did I mention Jordan is versed in the classics and is also a licensed pilot? Jordan wants to spend more time at Failla, and I believe it, given the breadth of this range. Frankly, I can’t imagine how Ehren took care of similarly large portfolios at both Turley and Failla while maintaining a sense of sanity. It will be interesting to see how things develop at Failla. The wines are already stellar, as I hope these notes amply demonstrate. Simply put, Failla is a reference point winery for the Sonoma Coast. This is as good as it gets. Tel. (707) 963-0530

(a blend of younger-vines juice): Good dark red. Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, game, earth and violet, with hints of cigar and game. Juicy, savory black fruit flavors are nicely expressive but on the lean side. Finishes with a dusting of tannins and good length. Like most of these pinots, this is just under 14% alcohol.