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Byron Pinot Noirs and Nielson (Second Label)

As spring draws near it's time to break out the pinot noirs, the perfect red wine for a transitional season.  Hugh reviews new releases from one of his favorite California wineries.

Click here for the full list. 

Byron Pinot Noir, Nielson Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley '14

Quite pricey but given the quality, $45 a bottle is a fair price for 1st rate pinot.

Quality: ★★★

Price Range: Above $60 

Nielson Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, '14

A light but enjoyable pinot noir with bright fruit flavors.

Quality: ★★

Price Range: Less than $20

Nielson Chardonnay, Santa Barbara '14 

A nice, simple chardonnay with lots of tropical fruit flavors.

Quality: ★

Price Range: Less than $20

Nielson Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley '14

A major step up in quality, good oak, depth, structure and detail.

Quality: ★★1/2

Price Range: $20-$40

Nielson Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley '14  

A more refined chardonnay with considerable depth and structure.

Quality: ★★1/2

Price Range: $20-$40

Al Spoler, well known to WYPR listeners as the wine-loving co-host of "Cellar Notes" has had a long-standing parallel interest in cooking as well. Al has said, the moment he started getting serious about Sunday night dinners was the same moment he started getting serious about wine. Over the years, he has benefited greatly from being a member of the Cork and Fork Society of Baltimore, a gentlemen's dining club that serves black tie meals cooked by the members themselves who are some of Baltimore's most accomplished amateur cooks.
As General Partner of Clipper City Brewing Company, L.P., Hugh J. Sisson is among Baltimore's premier authorities on craft brewing and a former manager of the state's first pub brewery, Sissons, located in Federal Hill. A fifth generation Baltimorean, Hugh has been involved in all aspects of craft brewing.