Today's recommended wine
Davis Bynum, 2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, $35
Davis Bynum made the first single-vineyard Pinot from Russian River Valley back in 1973 -- off grapes from Joe Rochioli's now-celebrated vineyard! Now that Davis Bynum was bought by Tom Klein of Rodney Strong Wine Estates, it's still in good hands, with winemaker Gary Patzwald calling the shots. This is exciting Pinot -- intense, a big core of fruit, silky mouthfeel, a finish that doesn't stop. It has weight and big expression without being sweet or portlike. The nose is cherries and raspberries, and warm brown baking spices, and vanilla. Flavors are concentrated, not sweet-like, but dry and generous. Alcohol is 14.9 percent. The wood is 100 percent French oak. Pour it with lamb chops, a thick veal chop or a hearty beef dish. It's a manly Pinot Noir.
