Narsai David Wine Review: Talbott Vineyards Pinot Noir, Renwood Winery Old Vine Zinfandel

MONTEREY (KCBS) - These two pinot noirs from Talbott Vineyards show how different wines from the same vineyard can be while still sharing a lot of similarities. And this 2010 Zinfandel from Renwood Vineyards shows why this Amador Valley winery enjoys such a strong reputation for a signature California grape.

2010 Talbott Pinot Noir, Kali Hart

This wine has a medium deep red color and a ripe fruit flavor. You'll detect lots of currants and plenty of spice too, but the fruit first of all. Lots and lots of fruit comes through to create juicy, lingering flavors on the palate.

The grapes in this wine, priced at $21, come from vines that have been growing anywhere from 10 years to 40 years on Sleepy Hollow Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey.

2010 Talbott Pinot Noir, Logan

This pinot is a little richer and has a touch more oak that tempers the fruit flavor. And the tannins are a bit more pronounced as well. Priced at $25, aging this wine for just a year or two would really pay off.

2010 Renwood Winery Old Vine Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

Everything is delicious about this wine—the rich crimson color, the bouquet of spicy, ripe berry aromas, the soft, mellow flavor on the palate and the unbeatable $19.99 price.

Narsai David is the KCBS Food and Wine Editor. He has been a successful restaurateur, chef, TV host, and columnist in the Bay Area spanning four decades. You can hear him Saturdays at 10:53am, 12:53pm and 4:53pm, and at 2:53am Sunday on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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