Baxter Toulouse Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, 2004

The southwest-facing Toulouse Vineyard has special qualities. According to Baxter's label, "the vines lie below the coastal fog until near midday when they emerge into the afternoon warmth, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly, producing wines of incredible depth and complexity." The father/son winemaking team at Baxter has done an excellent job of turning these special grapes into a special wine. No new oak was used, and, even at 15 plus years of age, the fruit is still powerful and intense.

Deep ruby. Smells like a bowl of red berries, just washed in cold water and waiting to be devoured. Ripe fruit balanced by acidity that brings me back for sniff after sniff and sip after sip. Cloves, mint and the gorgeous fruit purity of Anderson Valley Pinot.