CURRENT SIP: 2010 Landmark Grand Detour Pinot Noir

My fascination with Sonoma wines continues, and I’m glad I found Landmark wineries.

Founded in 1974, this winery is located at the bottom of Sonoma’s Sugarloaf Mountain. The climate is superb for pinot, with its cooler nights, and now produces chardonnay, pinot noir, syrah and grenache.

The winery tries to keep it simple. Says Landmark winemaker Eric Stern, “The less the wine is manipulated, the more flavors and aromas remain to enjoy.” They clearly have a winning formula.

The 2010 Grand Detour pinot noir is made with 100 percent pinot noir grapes that come from five different vineyards. While it’s the least expensive of their pinot noirs (the 2010 Kanzler Vineyard pinot is $65), it was rated 91 points by Wine Spectator, which means it’s top-notch wine. After tasting this, I heartily agree. The nose got me first for this lovely pink-purple colored wine; a big, juicy cherry nose that just smelled great. On taste, it’s got earthy, loamy qualities, with medium-bodied, tart cherry notes. It has a nice mouthfeel, and a decent finish that’s slightly metallic.

PAIR IT WITH: While the Spectator suggests drinking this from 2013-2021, I think it would be perfect now with rich fish dishes, some lamb, some heartier vegetable dishes. Frankly, I’d just drink it by itself. I liked it a lot.

PRICE: $39.99 at Total Wine