Special Pinot Noirs from Sequana Vineyards

Named after the Franco-Roman goddess of the River Seine, which flows through the ancestral birthplace of Pinot Noir, Sequana wines are elegant and terroir-driven. Tasting two of Sequana’s current releases side-by-side showcases the contrasting characteristics between fruit from the Santa Lucia Highlands and the Russian River Valley. Winemaker James MacPhail, who also produces wine for his eponymous label, has crafted two unique and attractively priced Pinot Noirs from these regions!    

The 2010 Sequana Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ($32/bottle) is bright and delicious with aromas of red cherry and fresh earth. Vivacious acidity complements cheerful flavors of red currant with lingering notes of vanilla and wood spice. I was impressed with this wine’s refreshing intensity on the mid-palate and the finish. It is medium-bodied and playful in the mouth. This is a perfect Pinot Noir for lighter dishes like pork, roast chicken, ahi tuna, or salmon.

The 2010 Sequana Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($38/bottle) is the darker, more concentrated of the two. Opaque in transparency and dark ruby in color, it offers an attractive perfume of dark berries, lavender, and baking spice. This wine is weighty and opulent with black cherry and cassis flavors. Although the RRV Pinot has ample acidity to balance the dusty tannins, it is a fuller, richer style than the SLH sibling. This gorgeous wine finishes with a healthy dose of sweet oak and blackberry fruit. It is a terrific match for a steak, duck breast, or charcuterie.

These two wines were received for sample purposes. Seek out your inner goddess at the Sequana website and stay tuned for the opening of the new tasting room in The Barlow in Sebastopol. The MacPhail wines can currently be tasted at the winery. Cheers!