87 2001 Meridan St.Barbara Cty Pinot Noir 8/28/03($8)
Color: Medium Burgundy.(3.0) Bouquet: Eucalyptus, oregano and pine in the backdrop of surprisingly rich P.N. fruit, all about fruit and forestal spice, not at all oaky.(3.0) Body: Very good acidity propels the flavor, could have more of everything, except acidity.(2.5) Flavor: Parallels the bouquet with even more delicious P.N. fruit, although not as complex.(3.0) Finish: Becomes more simple here, although fruit is still very pleasant. Has a little acidic bite, but tasty. (2.0)
Overall: Fantastic value for PN. Excellent varietal character with good acidity and body. Pure fruit without too much oak. Praise the lord, somebody gets PN right in CA without a shocking price tag! Will be interesting to see if this wine can hold together for a couple of years or is it just a pretty young thing.(13.5)