Cazar 2010 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

A fantastic Pinot Noir discovery and the best we've found for $20.

Cazar is the second label of the very-highly regarded Chasseur Winery, one of California's best producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the Burgundian model. The Chasseur wines are remarkable, but made in very small quantities and are snapped up by connoisseurs almost immediately. However, given Chasseur's proven abilities with Pinot, it's not surprising that they can create a Pinot Noir of this quality for under $20.

A deep ruby color, aromas of red raspberry, plum and Maraschino cherry fruit scents tied to savory notes of coriander seed, roasted grain, smoke and yellow rose. Things are as zesty and forthright on the palate, where the mouth-feel is even richer than the aromas predict and the tannic grip is impressive