title: Portola Vineyards 2008 Estate Pinot Noir (Santa Clara Valley)
description: A nicely balanced Pinot Noir from an unlikely spot––Portola Valley, on the western side of Highway 280 across from Stanford University––and a newish small producer. It's on the bigger side of the Pinot spectrum but has admirable texture and cherry and earth aromas. Only 130 cases made. Worth trying to see what unconventional areas can do with the variety.
variety: Pinot Noir
designation: Estate