Uncork This - Bouchaine 2006 Pinot Noir Carneros

Bouchaine is the oldest continually operated winery in the Carneros region, an AVA spanning both southern Napa and Sonoma Counties. They make dense, rich pinots and chardonnays. This pinot is bold and assertive. Loaded with sweet black cherry, blackberry jam, fragrant violets and velvety tannins. A smidge of black pepper on the finish. Good price for a wine of this quality but mostly sold at restaurants. Sw=1. $30. 4 stars.

This wine is featured in this week’s Corkscrew column - Diary of a Freaked Out Hostess.