Francis Ford Coppola Votre Sante Pinot Noir, 2009

Tasted alongside the Jean Descombes Morgon, the nine-year age difference is apparent. But, if I tasted the wines blind, I would probable guess they were made from the same grape, Pinot Noir. The Coppola wine is much, much lighter in color; it looks and smells delicate, maybe even thin and washed out. But not so! Intense aromas--spice box, wild cherries, flowers. Lots going on here. On the palate, the wine has all of the above plus more. Dry on the palate with a ripe, cinnamon-tinged finish. Also some cocoa and crushed flowers. For $10 to $12 and a simple California appellation, this Pinot is quite nice (but the Jean Descombes Morgon is still the superior wine).