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Narsai David Food & Wine Reviews: Jekel And Talbot Pinot Noirs

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— 2011 was one of the toughest years in a long time for California's vintage wine makers. It was a rough year weather wise; the rains came at the wrong time and the spring lasted during what seemed like the wrong periods.

The result is there isn't going to be a lot of wines comparable to the 2010s and 2012s, so we'll have to be choosy about what comes out of 2011.

I have a couple of Pinot Noirs that are very nicely priced and are very pleasant wines. Jekel Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County has sort of a cranberry red color with appealing aromas of blackberry jam. This leads to a light wine with just enough tannin and acidity for a nice balance.

Narsai David Food & Wine Reviews: Jekel And Talbot Pinot Noirs

Hint of strawberry lingers on the tongue and it's drinkable now. In fact it is the perfect picnic wine. This would work nicely with a grilled chicken or an entre salad. At $17.99 it's a great value.

The 2011 Talbot Pinot Noir Logan from the Santa Lucia Highlands has soft, delicate strawberry aromas with a touch of cherry. It's soft on the palate and beautifully balanced. This wine would be perfect with a fresh King Salmon. It's on the market now for $25.

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.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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