Paraiso Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2008

The new release of this rising star is a fantastic follow-up to the 2007 vintage, which earned 92 points from Wine Spectator and a "Top Value" designation. Influenced by nearby Monterey Bay, Paraiso's location high in the Santa Lucias has proven ideal for growing world-class Pinot Noir.. The cool climate here results in long, gentle ripening, and supple Burgundian character: black cherry, smoke and spice -- all against a balanced backdrop of soft, warm oak and bright acidity, which makes this wine extremely versatile with food.

Paraiso anchors the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. Rich Smith began planting the 400-acre Paraiso Springs property in 1973. Today, almost 150,000 vines occupy the sixteen different vineyard blocks, situated in the hills and canyons of the estate's rough terrain. The vineyards, with their varying soils, elevations, and microclimates, produce grapes uniquely expressive of their site. Taken together, they offer the winemaker a painter's palette of complex, flavorful hues from which to choose.

The Smith's experience as winegrowers has translated into huge demand for the grapes grown at Paraiso. In addition to the fruit supplied for their own limited-production Estate wines, the family sells Paraiso Vineyard grapes under contract to several other ultra-premium producers.

Early bud break and fruit set are one of the advantages of Paraiso's highland location. Mid-season leaf pulling and other canopy management techniques help focus the vine's efforts. Harvest at Paraiso typically begins in mid-September and can run to late October. The Smith family employs sustainable agricultural practices at Paraiso, through the use of biodiverse systems and cover crops.

In our opinion, the 2008 release is as good or better than the spectacular 2007, which quickly sold-out upon release of it's Wine Spectator accolades. Get in on this early! Email eric@citywinemerchant.com or call 716-931-9114 to reserve your order.

$21.49/Bottle
Only $18.27 on any 6 or more mix-and-match bottles

...and a cellar-worthy Pinot Noir that won't break the bank!

Freeman Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2006

If you haven't tried Freeman Pinot Noir, you are missing-out! This is one of our favorite Sonoma Coast producers, and the limited 2006 offering is perhaps their best yet. From Wine Spectator: "The most complex and complete of the 2006 Freemans, this is fragrant, with wilted rose petal, blackberry and wild berry and hints of loamy earth. Both supple and firm on the finish." Named one of Spectator's Top 30 California Producers of Pinot Noir, Freeman continues to make stellar wines at amazing quality to value ratios. (Wine Spectator 92 pts.)

$39.99/bottle (compare at $44.95 and up)
Only $33.99 on any 6 or more mix-and-match bottles