Yesterday I helped Sasha bottle his 2008 Pinot Noir and Viognier. This note is a quick impression of the Pinot since we were busy loading glass, labeling and getting the capsules on the bottle. About 80 cases in total. 2008 has been maligned by a few folks but that is simply a false impression. Sure there were some problems, most notably smoke damage from some true Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley vineyards. But those not affected produces some pretty good wines…Sasha’s Pinot comes from Santa Lucia Highlands (Tondre Vineyard and Fairview Ranch IIRC).
I have always like Sasha’s wines, they tend to be rich, lush but balanced. The 08 is a little lighter with more natural acidity and works very well IMO. The wine is racier with good fruit and spice and will be a more food friendly wine…something you can sit back and drink quite a bit while thinking about it and enjoying it…yum!!!
Disclaimer: Sasha and I are good friends and neighbors and I help at the winery from time to time…