This month, we're pleased to present '06 Kanzler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.   This is the third time that we've presented Kanzler to Pinot Club members, and this year's vintage is an attractive floral version, chock full of rich, ripe cherry fruit flavors with a long finish.

In addition to making great wine, Kanzler Vineyards sells some of their fruit to hot cult winemakers like Kosta Brown, Landmark, Roessler and AP Vin. 

This month, you have a choice between two cuvées of one of the hottest Pinots in the market today: Sea Smoke Cellars.  Your allocation is for either a bottle of 2006 Sea Smoke Southing ($53)  or a bottle of 2006 Sea Smoke Ten ($85).

Ten comes from ten separate clones, and possesses a deep ruby/purple-tinged color, sweet cranberry, raspberry, and cherry fruit, and a hint of toasty oak in the background. The biggest and richest of Sea Smoke's Pinots, it will benefit from another 12 months of cellaring, and should drink well for a decade or more. An impressive example of Pinot Noir, it offers further evidence of the Santa Rita Hills’ potential.  92 points, Wine Spectator:  "Combines a mix of bold, ripe and richly flavored black cherry, wild berry, plum and blackberry fruit with touches of spice, cedar and wild berry. Ends with a long, elegant, detailed finish."

This month, we've selected wines with Thanksgiving in mind, and present a wine that goes well with holiday fare: Soter North Valley Pinot Noir ($38)

North Valley Pinot Noir sees less new oak than Soter's more expensive wines. It is made in a more accessible and versatile format  that will give pleasure early and over the medium term. The wine features notes of orange blossoms, cranberries, blackberries, sweet cream, cocoa, minerals, and has a markedly silky and supple mouthfeel. Long and lush, the wine leaves big, thick tears in the glass and its soft entry invites sip after sip.

Pour this wine alongside its peers at the same price - you'll be taken in by its winsome charms and remarkable price/quality rapport. Better yet, pour it against your favorite single-vineyard Oregon Pinot, and understand why North Valley is already featured at some of the finest restaurants in the country

This month, we have a selection of great, highly allocated Sonoma County Pinots to choose from.  Your allocation is for one of the following

• 2006 Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($46)
• 2005 Dehlinger Estate Pinot Noir Russian River Valley  ($50)
• 2006 Rochioli Estate Grown Pinot Noir Russian River Valley  ($53.50)
• 2006 Martinelli Bondi Home Ranch "Water Trough Vineyard" Pinot Noir Green Valley ($73)

Martinelli Bella Vigna  Martinelli's "Bella Vigna" is a select blend of Russian River fruit carefully crafted by famed winemaker Helen Turley. Aged in 75% new French oak for 10 months, the wine is then bottled unfined and unfiltered.