Quick Sip: TR Elliott 2007 Queste Pinot Noir

Hello Friends,

Over the past several months, I have had the pleasure of watching a few episodes of Cellars of Sonoma TV Tuesday (live streaming broadcast) that featured special guest Theodore R. Elliott. Theodore, better known as Ted, is the man behind TR Elliott Winery – a boutique winery in Santa Rosa [Sonoma County] that’s producing small quantities of Pinot Noir from select vineyards in the cool climate of the Russian River Valley. I always enjoy shows with Ted because he speaks to the inner “wine” geek in all of us wine bloggers -- dropping information from clonal selection and brix readings to the type of French oak barrels he uses to mature his wines. During past tastings that featured Ted's Pinot Noir wines, I would hear from Cellars of Sonoma host and proprietor Scott Jordan, my wine blogging pal Dan from Iowa, and others about how delicious Ted’s Pinot Noir wines are. Fortunately for me, this time, I had the opportunity to sample the TR Elliot Queste 2007 Pinot Noir right along with Scott, Dan, and Ted. All I can say is my friends were right – Ted does make delicious small-lot Russian River Valley Pinot Noir wines (see my notes below).

TR Elliot Queste 2007 Pinot Noir

The 2007 TR Elliott Queste Pinot Noir ($42) is medium ruby red in color with light brick hues delivering aromas of zesty black cherry, currant, dried rose petals, sweet spice and cocoa powder. The palate is well-balanced with a fruit-driven entry, a velvety texture, a supple mid-palate and gentle tannins ending with a lingering, luxurious finish. I enjoyed this wine with pan seared duck breast and on its own -- it's very versatile. Ted’s wines are not in stores due to very limited production, but can be found via the website (see below) and Cellars of Sonoma tasting room. If you like Pinot Noir, Ted’s Russian River Valley examples are well worth seeking out. To view the winemaker interview with Ted on Ustream click here. Cheers!

Click here to visit the TR Elliott Winery website.

Click here to visit the Cellars of Sonoma website.