Winery Spotlight - Talisman Cellars

We first learned about Talisman Cellars when samples of their Pinot Noirs showed up at our offices. Given the challenges of Pinot Noir in general, and California Pinots in particular, we were interested in giving these a go.

Talisman Cellars is a tiny Pinot specialist that sources fruit from various California appellations, including Sonoma Coast, Russian River and Carneros. Like many wineries these days, Talisman boasts of wines that actually reflect a sense of place and terroir. While we are still somewhat dubious of most such claims, there's no arguing that these Pinots were utterly delicious.

Some Pinot lovers may be somewhat skeptical about a Sonoma Coast Pinot - vineyard designate or not. Apparently, we just don't know the Thorn Vineyard the way owner/winemaker Scott Rich knows it!

" Thorn Vineyard has the distinction of being one of the least hospitable sites I have ever visited, but the grapes provide a luscious concentration of fruit," says Rich. Located about five miles southwest of Sebastopol on the northern edge of the Petaluma Gap, the lowest point in California's Coast Range, the vineyard is pummeled by cold air and fog. Coupled with low vigor soils and a very limited water supply, yields are naturally limited and maturation time is extended.

" Our 2001 Thorn Vineyard Pinot Noir possesses many of the enigmatic qualities that make Pinot Noir so interesting," concludes Rich.

Founded in 1993 by Scott and wife Marta, Talisman Cellars got its name from a paho given to Scott by his mother when he was a young man. The Talisman logo is a stylized representation of the paho, a Native American charm that has been imbued with the power to protect one from harm. The elements represent the circle of life and the four directions, reminding us of our place in the universe. The rays around the paho represent the sun, which provides energy for life on Earth and ripens the grapes, allowing for the pleasures of life, including fine wines.

We certainly enjoyed the pleasures of Talisman Cellars' wines - here are out notes!

Talisman Cellars 2001 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Thorn Vineyard ($39). Big and bold, but still pulls back with true Pinot Noir finesse, offering ripe blueberry, smoke and spice aromas and flavors. Mouthwatering acidity at the end gives character and balance, not to mention food-friendliness. Very good now and over the next four or five years. (404 cases produced.)
Talisman Cellars 2000 Pinot Noir Russian River ($36). Smoked meat and cigar box aromas lace pretty blackberry fruit flavors. Nice acidity and structure, with a silky texture. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (300 cases produced.)
Talisman Cellars 2000 Pinot Noir Carneros ($32). Lovely dried raspberry and cherry aromas and flavors are delicately layered with light briar and herbal notes, cinnamon stick and sweet earth. Medium-bodied with plenty of tannic structure lurking behind smooth flavors. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (280 cases produced.)

To learn more about Talisman Cellars and their wines, visit "http://www.talismanwine.com/" .

To shop for Talisman wines, click here!