In early November, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Todd Hamina tasting thru a variety of his 2007 and 2008 releases. As a result of my visit, I brought home a mixed case of his vineyard designate '07s along with a few '08s that I promised not to open for a few months. While the 2008s lie still in my cellar, I am starting to open some of the 2007s at my dinner table.

The Biggio Hamina 2007 Pinot Noir Ana Vineyard Dundee Hills (12.5%) made quite a statement the other night during dinner. In fact, I was so caught up in this wine that I failed to note what my wife crafted in the kitchen to accompany this incredibly delicious pinot noir. Todd crafts the types of wines that make me want to stuff my entire nose into the glass. To be honest, if I could get my hands on enough juice, I'd like to dive into a pool of this stuff - it's that enticing and captivating of a wine.

In the glass, the Biggio Hamina Ana Vineyard pinot ($36) is a clear, garnet red color offering these wonderful perfumed floral notes of red berry fruit giving way to an intriguing earthiness that makes you want to keep coming back for another sniff. This whole cluster fermented pinot noir is designed to challenge and please your olfactory sense in a manner that prompts you to stop, think, smell and think again. That's my kind of pinot noir - one that takes you down one sensory path only to find yet another trail of discovery.

In the mouth, this Dundee Hills pinot noir offers terrific fruit but not in the concentrated fashion that is far too common with some of its AVA peers. This wine provides a light mouthfeel with balanced acidity leading to a wonderful finish that keeps you coming back for more sniffs and more tastes. With three bottles left in the cellar, I am beginning to wonder if I have enough of this delightful wine.

Try this wine or any other pinot noir crafted by Todd Hamina - it will open up your senses to a whole new experience.

Related Links
Élevage's Review
Biggio Hamina Web Site