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Ceja Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir
Carneros, CA
Pablo and Juanita Ceja and their children emigrated from Mexico to the United States
in 1967. They settled in Northern California's Carneros region, drawn by its temperate
climate. Having grown up among the vines, son Armando went on to study enology and
viticulture. Pooling their resources with their sons Armando and Pedro and Pedro's wife
Amelia, Pablo and Juanita invested in their first 15-acre vineyard in 1983. Today, the
Cejas farm more than 100 acres of vines and produce wines ranging from sparkling to
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah to, of course, the signature Carneros
grape, Pinot Noir. The Ceja Vineyards 2008 Carneros Pinot is made in a refreshingly bright,
acidic, food-friendly style of American Pinot. On the nose it offers a delicate floral
bouquet with hints of red cherries and rose hip tea. Fresh fruit flavors dominate on the
palate, including red currant, plum and cherry, backed by an earthy herbal note and
caramel on the finish. With its vibrant acidity and reasonably restrained flavors, the
wine would work well with many foods, including the upcoming turkey feast. Or try it
with olive oil poached salmon, ratatouille or, as a nod to the Ceja family's heritage, pork
tamales.
Rating: 14/20
Price: $40
Other Pinot Noirs we have tasted
Check out our Napa/Sonoma Travel Guide
For more information, visit www.cejavineyards.com |