2002 Talley Estate Pinot Noir

Hard to believe this estate-grown Pinot Noir from Talley Vineyards comes in at about $27. Made from grapes grown on two vineyards in the Arroyo Grande Valley, the 2002 is a fine example of Central Coast Pinot Noir. Steve Rasmussen, the Talley family’s longtime winemaker, has 18 vintages under his belt and has teased out a Burgundian character in this Pinot. Soft and lush, tasting of ripe blackberries and cherries, it’s drinking beautifully now.

Serve it with just about anything, from a selection of charcuteries or a Sunday night roast chicken to a veal daube or a simple roast.

--S. Irene Virbila

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Quick swirl

Region: Arroyo Grande Valley, California

Price: About $27

Style: Lush and soft

Food it goes with: Charcuterie, roast chicken, veal daube, roasts

Where you find it: Topline Wine & Spirits in Glendale, (818) 500-9670; Vicente Foods in Brentwood, (310) 472-5215; and the Wine House in Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731.