2009 Pessagno Four Boys Pinot Noir
1645 River Road, Salinas.
675-9463, www.pessagnowines.com
Grown on 3.5 acres of family-tended vineyards named after owner and winemaker Stephen Pessagno’s four sons—Anthony, Stephen, Robert and John—this Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot is a beautiful example of what Monterey County’s most popular varietal can and should be. The jammy, fruit-forward juice was recently rated 94 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and is a complement to grilled meats and other hearty dishes. Pessagno’s 20-plus years of winemaking experience, including a degree in enology from Fresno State and time spent at local vineyards Jekel and Lockwood, have given rise to a pedigree that deserves at least partial credit for River Road and Monterey County’s burgeoning wine scene.