1999 Ryan Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard & 2011 St. Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard

Fascinating examples of California and Oregon Pinot Noir paired with coconut encrusted shrimp appetizer, Poulet Dijon & artichoke salad main course, with traditional New York cheesecake for dessert. 

Marguerite Ryan Cellars is an under-the-radar producer that specializes very limited production Central Coast pinot noir.  Peggy Ryan trained with Warren Winierski and started her own label in 1996. This is the second time I've been fortunate enough to try the 1999 Pisoni Vineyard bottling (14.6% abv, only 119 cases) over the past couple of years.  Both times, the wine has been excellent.  Clearly a long-lived wine, this bottle was decanted and it really started to show its stuff after around 3 hours. Vibrant fruit balanced with good acidity and an incredibly alluring floral nose with licorice accents. Unfined and unfiltered. 

I like what Mark Vlossak does with Oregon pinot noir.  The '11 Justice Vineyard is superbly balanced at 13.0% abv.  Crystalline ruby color, and lithe raspberry palate that opens up nicely after a few hours in the decanter. Signature forest floor with spice accents.  Gravitas in expression of true pinot noir character without being overbearing. Oregon pinot noir tends to be very food friendly.  This wine should develop well for several more years.