MacMurray Ranch - 2007 Pinot Noir

MacMurray Ranch is a small vineyard located in the heart of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California. The Russian River Valley is known for their warm days and cold nights. Pinot Noir grapes, a dark, finicky, and delicate fruit, and its cousin, the Pinot Gris, a blueish-gray grape that produces its white wine counterpart, are the two main varietals grown here. The MacMurray Ranch vineyard is also part of Sonoma Coast, a region that overlaps the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. With cool Pacific winds, these regions allow MacMurray Ranch to develop its grapes with more diverse Pinot flavors from the rich soils and cool valley climates.

This week's favorite: 2007 MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir
$14-19, specialty wine store or liquor store

For Pinot Noir lovers, this is a good, medium-bodied bottle. The true strong Pinot Noir fruits of strawberry and cherry hit you with a burst of flavor that then settle into a warm, smooth chocolate finish with a slight hint of vanilla. This Pinot Noir is not as spicy as other Pinot Noirs, but truly delectable in all the flavors it does provide.

This wine should be served with a rich Italian meal. A summery tomato sauce over chicken or pasta would really compliment the warm flavors of the berries and cherry, and as you are finishing the bottle, this Pinot Noir would pair nicely with fresh cannolis for dessert.