Diamond Ridge Pinot Noir 2008

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY | CALIFORNIA | $18
A full-flavor Pinot showing mature black cherry and dark berry fruit with a hint of purple plum. Complex organic notes of cardamom, cedar and tobacco bring a balancing earthy quality. Tamed acidity and a smooth, lingering fruit-soil finish. Velvety mouthfeel with a slight chew. Surprisingly full bodied for a 13.6% alcohol wine. Bears an attractively unassuming Burgundian-style single-script-font black-white label. An unpretentious sort with the simplest garb, delivering plenty of whelm. A very good wine and an excellent value. (Reviewed 11/27/12)