Ron’s Wine Pick
By Ron James

2007 Iron Horse Estate Pinot Noir ($45)
I’ve been passionate about pinot noir since I took a pilgrimage to the Willamette Valley in Oregon over a decade ago. And why not, pinots are astoundingly versatile and sexy. My pick of the week is a wonderful example of pinot and comes from a beautiful wooded area of Sonoma called Green Valley.
I love the newer elegant lighter-style pinots: still silky and packed with bright fruit flavors, but not overpowering to the point you need food to enjoy it. Iron Horse has produced a wonderful example of that elegance and depth, smooth and light yet showing bright rich cherry and plum fruit flavors with pinot’s trademark earthiness. The next time you’re in Sonoma don’t miss Iron Horse’s tasting room — a true delight.