'06 Bergstrom Shea, '09 Big Basin Lester, '12 St. Innocent Zenith

Paired with crab cakes (1st course), sauteed scallops (2nd course), rack of lamb (3rd course), creme brulee and Illy espresso (4th course).

2006 Bergstrom Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard
Popped and decanted at the restaurant.  Definitely benefited from enhanced aeration.  A bit tight at first.  Blossomed over the course of the next 3 hours to be voted favorite for the evening. Raspberry, plum and sous bois.  Shy nose at first. Subtle violets as it opened up. Very nicely done balanced Burgundian style. While the Big Basin was gorgeously alluring from the start, the Bergstrom just paired beautifully with the cuisine.

2009 Big Basin Pinot Noir Lester Family Vineyard
Wow! I love this wine for its upfront gorgeous aromatics and succulent strawberry fruit with anise accents.  Popped and poured.  Big fan of all of Bradley Brown's pinots. While this seductress captured everyone's attention early, the fruit forward nature detracted slightly from cuisine pairings.   This may change as it mellows with more bottle age.

2012 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Zenith Vineyard
Popped and poured. I have had better showings in the past from this wine.  Seemed thin compared to the other wines this evening.  A lighter style with balanced Rainier cherry fruit and earth. Subtle,  attractive aromatics.  May improve with age.

Overall, an interesting evening comparing terroir from Santa Cruz Mtns and Willamette Valley. ....