One of the best things about touring and sampling at small wineries is the surprise you receive when tasting them again back at home, after a spell in the cellar. Sometimes the memory is fresh and the taste is right on as remembered, and other times there is no recollection at all. It’s a complete surprise.
And if you’re lucky, a “wine revisited” turns out to be very much better than that initial impression at the winery’s tasting bar. So far, this has been the case with all the take-home samples from a small Russian River vintner called Arista Winery. Their Pinots just have personality. Each has a quite a story to tell.
Their 2007 Toboni Vineyard Pinot Noir turned out to be one of those surprising selections. It’s not only good, but it evolves in the glass like a Pinot costing much more. Coming off like a hidden Russian River gem, its bouquet presents earthy dried cherries, violet, and mint.
Each of these qualities develops and evolves as it opens up over an entire evening. With a well-balanced dark purple body having hints of white pepper and cinnamon, this is one of those Pinots that is truly worth the wait. It also has very soft tannins and structure that will allow it to age well for a few more years.
It’s a perfect pairing with seafood gumbo or spiced paella. The Toboni Vineyard wine’s natural spiciness and acid balance show what a good Pinot is supposed to do, work with gourmet food. There are certainly many more seafood combos that would marry with it and that is left to your imagination. Just stick with flavors of the sea, garlic, spice, and a mild base in the recipe. You can’t go wrong including Pinots like this with the fare.
Serve slightly chilled from the fridge after 20 minutes (about 65 degrees). With so much to say in its flavor mix, this wine doesn’t benefit from excessive chill.
Article by Tom Peiffer, Phoenix Wine Shopping Examiner at Examiner.com
View more of Tom’s articles on Examiner.com by visiting his writer’s page.
