Blair Estate Takes Honors

Blair Estate Wines is another winner from the Family Winemakers tasting August 17.  Another reminder: our top six picks are very, very close.  You will not go wrong with a pinot from any of these wineries. Blair Estate takes honors — and we’ll drink Jeff’s pinot noir any time.

Jeff Blair started his venture in 2010. His current production is 940 cases total. The 2012 vintage was his first full release of pinot noir.

The winery is located in the increasingly popular Arroyo Seco ava. Jeff grows pinot noir in Delfina’s vineyard on the east edge of the ava where the coastal breezes have the most impact. This vineyard is planted with Dijon 115, 667, 777, and Pommard 4 clones — another field blend of clones.

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Blair Estate 2012 Arroyo Seco pinot noir

Blair’s 2012 Delfina’s Vineyard Arroyo Seco ($35, a bargain even at that price, 481 cases) resembles other Arroyo Seco pinots, with elements of the desert. Opening with aromas of rose petals, bing cherry and Chinese five spice, the aromas continue on the palate, with a hint of vanilla.

Blair is yet another one to watch.  Jeff has the knack for pinot.