2006 Alesia Pinot Noir San Mateo County

I'm on the Rhys mailing list, and am thankful. This is an absolutely delicious mouth full of pinot, and it was $29. Sign up for their list. This wine is a light ruby. There are wonderful aromas of mushrooms and fresh mint. Excellent, subtle initial mouth feel, silky and minerality, with a touch of oak and moss. Tastes like a burgundy, yet it is from California, where the typical pinot is too ripe and lacks balance. This gets a small deduction for some dilution. Unfortunately, this is not available at retail, but it does give me hope for excellent sub $30 pinot. Grade: A-.