We are lucky enough to belong to the RN Estate wine club. About a year ago we got a shipment that included the RN Estate 2009 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills. The tasting notes suggested holding on to it for a while, so we did. Tonight we opened it. And you are truly in luck. This goodie is still available through the RN Estate website at $49 per bottle. As always, I’m hesitant to call any wine in that price category a bargain, but this one is it.
The Wine
The winery website describes this as, “Lean and Burgundian in style, vibrant aromas of red cherries, dry spices and faded rose petals with traces of smoke. Firm tannin structure with subtle nuances of raspberry, red currant, cherries and a harmonious balance of acidity. Great aging potential. Drink now through 2017.” We beg to differ. Austerity has given way to a lush, delicious wine. Aromas of gooseberries, leather and cherries lead to an explosion of dried plums on the palate with a long butterscotch finish. Absolutely amazing. 4 corks.
Roger Nicolas
We were introduced to RN Estate by our friends and innkeepers Diane and Jim (The Canyon Villa, Paso Robles, a must-stay). “RN” are the initials of Roger Nicolas, the proprietor. Roger is another refugee from France, although he arrived in New York at the age of 20. In 2005 he started RN Estate. If there is such a thing as an instant success in the wine business, his is it.
