2008 Littorai "The Pivot" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

“From the estate vineyard, west of Sebastopol. Made in a lighter-colored, lighter-bodied style than most Russian River Pinot Noirs, the wine shows flashy toast, raspberry, cherry, cinnamon and clove aromas and flavors. A complex, elegant young wine that should develop over the next six years.” (07/2011)

“(from a vineyard planted on pale Goldridge loam, located between Sebastopol and Freestone) Medium red. Deeper-pitched and less floral on the nose than the Platt, with plum, strawberry and forest floor notes dominating. Spicy plum and redcurrant flavors show a supple texture and enticing sweetness, but less tension than the Platt. The wine's minerally finish gives it a slightly dusty, austere quality today. Just the third crop from these vines. Winemaker Lemon destemmed all his Pinots in 2008, as he wanted to make fruit-forward wines and not risk introducing any smoke taint from the fires into his wines. (ST)” (05/2010)