In talking with owner/winemaker James Lahti, he said, “this is the best Pinot Noir I’ve ever made” … he gushed further about putting it up in competition against Burgundian wines and that he’s still undecided about prices – for James his pricing policy is in direct corollary with the quality of his wine vintage-to-vintage. I tried this wine after the hustle and bustle of the Pinot Noir Challenge and much time after the hype of James’ words had subsided, and I’d have to say that this is an extraordinary wine. The nose is fruit-driven with strawberry, raspberry and sour cherry – I would be remiss if I did not mention what it lacks, the earthiness that is usually found in Pinot Noir, but I’ll say that’s a product of the hot year. The taste is nothing short of amazing – big acidity, good minerality, lots of fruit: sour cherry, raspberry, red currant and berries with a touch of cinnamon … all in a very attractive coloured Pinot. Don’t let the cute dog on the label fool you, this is a serious Pinot Noir and was it lacks in earthiness it gains in fruit, minerality and acidity, but that’s a loss I can learn to live with when the wine is this good. Price: ~50.00 – Rating: ****½