McNab Ridge Napoli Vineyard Pinotage 2009

Color: Rich Ruby Purple

Nose: Heavy rose, ripe red berry fruit, waft of flowery perfume and touches of earthy, mineral slate

Palate: This lush, bright red starts off with heaver tones of mineral notes mixed with rich plum that quickly gives way to soft fruiter notes - an even balance between the sweetness of strawberry and the tartness of red apple peel. The soft, lingering finnish gives way to hints of cherry with soft tones of fig. This Pinotage from Mendocino County, CA would really pair well thick, juicy cuts of red meat dishes from the grill or hearty roasts.

Brophy Clark Pinot Noir 2009

This Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County displays a richer and somewhat deeper purple color than most and had a slight cloudiness to it's overall opacity. The initial aromas jump with bright strawberry and grassy warm notes of cherry followed by hints of smoke and leather.

Tasting this wine, I found there was a balance between the soft cola and earthy notes of dried red fruit and the more bright tones of fresh red berries followed by slights hints of herbal eucalyptus that round out the finish. This wine would pair well with just about an type of lamb or beef roasts and would accompany any meet and cheese appetizer tray nicely.