Chateau Saint Jean Pinot Noir Benoist Ranch

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The 2009 Pinot Noir Benoist Ranch shows the darker side of Pinot in its black cherries, plums, savory herbs, tar, ash and game. There is a hint of wildness to the 2009 that flows through to the virile, imposing finish. This deceptively round, supple Pinot is supported by plenty of structure. The Benoist Ranch spent 16 months in French oak. It could use another year or two in bottle as well. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. This is a fabulous set of wines from Chateau St. Jean, winemaker Margo Van Staaveren and her team. From top to bottom, these wines deliver tons of value and character.Tel. (707) 833-4134, www.chateaustjean.com

I tasted three 2007 Pinots, the finest of which is the 2007 Pinot Noir Benoist Ranch. Lots of plum, anise, earthy underbrush, pomegranate, and cherry aromas soar from the glass of this dark medium ruby-colored offering. Medium-bodied with plenty of freshness as well as soil undertones, it should drink nicely for 5-7 years. This winery produces some exceptional bargain-priced wines and consistently does an enviable job with Sauvignon Blanc, or as they call it, Fume Blanc. There has been a long legacy of top-notch Fume Blancs produced ever since veteran winemaker Richard Arrowood was fashioning the wines at Chateau St.-Jean in the 1970s. Chateau St. Jean produces four distinctive styles of Chardonnay. My favorites tend to vary with the vintage, and in 2007, the Belle Terre Vineyard came out on top.Tel. (707) 833-4134; Fax (707) 833-4200