Saint Gregory Pinot

2002 Saint Gregory, Mendocino Pinot Noir ($17) -- By the Graziano Family of Wines. 1,500 cases produced; 18 months French oak, 35% new.

Medium nose of ripe cherries and toasted oak. Elegant and Burgundian in style. Full mouth feel, tannin structure, long finish. Well balanced. Good before dinner and with dinner. Serve at 65 degrees. Drink now or hold for a few years.

The Graziano family has been growing grapes in Mendocino County since 1918. They produce wine under four different labels concentrating on the Italian varietals. At the high end they offer a wine called "Coro", a Mendocino Red Blend of Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Dolcetto and Barbera. The "Coro" is a collaboration of 8 Mendocino vintners who set the blending and aging parametes for the wine. Each winery creates its indivudual blend and a panel of experts review the wine. Each winery personalizes the common label and bottles the wine in a uniform bottle.