Medium-to-dark garnet with wide bricking edges. Spicy nose rich with Eucalyptus, mint and floral situations over a core of lovely Pinot funk. Definitely some age on it. Brisk and spicy on the tongue, too–showing it isn’t going anywhere soon.
Deep, musky, wilted-rose bouquet translates into an early fruit explosion which thins to fairly hot, lingering tannins. This thing still packs a whallop, and it all plays nicely off the heavy rotten-log and sharp chalky mineral all through the taste. I say “still” like I am surprised… It’s ONLY a 2007. Still, seven years can be a death-sentence for even seriously-refined pinot, so am enjoying this little 25-ish dollar gem for all its impressive structure and noticeable polish. SERIOUS sediment. It doesn’t help I opened it almost immediately upon arrival home fro the wine-shop. I relish sediment, but this thing was so milky it was affecting enjoyment. A quick decant through a coffee-filter solved it.
Don’t mistake the acid in this thing for alcohol. It is entirely balanced through-and-through and am guessing it is safely under 14-0. There’s several more of these bottles around–and it is a fabulous price. And for those of you who exclusively drink current releases, get a bottle or two and see what kind of magic a couple years can do to a well-made Pinot.
2007 ZITO Family Winery Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 13.6
Stephen McConnell 