Davis Bynum Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir

Davis Bynum Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2005 vintage, $14.99 (suggested price $40)

Way back in 1973 Davis Bynum distinguished itself by being the first winery to produce a single vineyard pinot noir from the Russian River Valley. Trader Joe’s carried that wine and today, more than thirty years later, the Bynum heritage continues through excellent vineyard select wines like this choice from the prized Allen Vineyard.

The nose of this stylish and somewhat old-fashioned pinot noir is rich and welcoming with a nice combination of dried cherry fruit, cola and herbs. In the mouth the wine is full of rich cherry, earth and orange zest, which carry lightly through a well-balanced finish that leaves a pleasantly full aftertaste. The wine is superbly balanced and very elegant.

This wine would be a fantastic choice with robustly flavorful roast poultry and turkey comes quickly to mind as we approach the Thanksgiving season. However, it would be equally good with a roast or grilled meats.