The lightest and least weighty of the Talley bunch, this bottling shows a scant trim of brush and dried herbs to its medium-deep fruit. It is nicely balanced with glimmers of velvet before firming up at the finish, and, while a tasty wine, its slight drift into last-minute dryness suggests that it will be the least long-lived of the five Talley Pinots.

Light, bright red. Sharply focused red berry and spice aromas are impressively pure and fresh. Taut, finely etched redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors are seamless and clean, with slow-mounting minerality contributing energy. Finishes with gentle sweetness and a jolt of dusty minerals. This will need a bit more time than the Edna Valley bottling.

Rating for United States-California-Central Coast: 87 (bad vintage)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>

lighter than my preferred fare, but very nice indeed.