Babcock Tri-Counties Cuvée Pinot Noir 2005

"As Best As I Can" appears in Latin on the label ("Optimum Quod Possum") alongside a printed version of Bryan Babcock's signature.  In this fifth vintage of Tri-Counties Cuvée, Babcock has delivered the goods that we're seeking in the post-Sideways market: true estate-quality Pinot Noir at an uninflated price.

The 2005 Babcock Tri-Counties Cuvée could be called Santa Barbara County, with 87% of the fruit from the Babcock Estate there.  The remaining 13% was sourced from the Viento vineyard in Monterey County (9%) and the Rabbit Ridge Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County (4%).

Aging was 10 months in 1/5 new French oak.  Cases produced: 4,298.

Tasting Notes: Color: Bright medium ruby with a slight unfiltered haze. 
Aromas: Jammy red fruit, sweet spice, with background notes of cumin, green herbs and minerally earth.  Soft on the tongue, there are moderate dusty tannins and tartness, with "sweet" pomegranate and cherry flavors that echo in the dry dry finish.

Closure: Artificial "neocork".  Outstanding value ($19, sale price, Nashville).  Alcohol content: 14.0%.