2008 Mandolin Pinot Noir

Monterey, California

Mandolin Pinot Noir is the perfect red wine for summertime while relaxing on the patio. Mandolin is a small winery with large ambitions, developed by Brent Shortridge and Philip Zorn. It has access to top vineyard sources in some of California's best growing regions. The grapes for this Pinot Noir came from a single vineyard in one of the newest and most highly acclaimed Pinot Noir regions in California, a plateau in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a mountain range running from the Monterey Bay to Paso Robles. After the crush, the grapes were barrel-aged in small 2-3 year-old French oak barrels for 18 months to impart a rich flavor.

Mandolin Pinot Noir is soft cherry-red in color and features bright cherry and raspberry fruit with hints of spice, leather and cedar. Medium in body with mild tannins, this generous red wine gem will complement a wide array of foods, including grilled salmon, roast pork, grilled lamb chops and aged cheeses.