The dog days are here, baby, and you have to choose your beverages carefully to beat the heat. This weekend called for a treat–something memorable to the brain and taste buds alike–and standing out from some excellent options was the 2013 Bela’s Selection Pinot Noir, produced by Buena Vista Winery.

2013 Bela’s Selection Pinot Noir, Buena Vista Winery, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, USA.

If you’re new to Notes, understand that Buena Vista is one of the oldest wineries in all of California, and they make a helluva Pinot Noir. Sonoma’s Russian River Valley has a nearly perfect climate for these grapes, and the team at Buena Vista has had plenty of practice refining their approach. The 2013 Bela’s Selection Pinot Noir accompanied grilled steak, accented with seasoning salt and fresh crushed black pepper, both in ample supply, and sides of mixed salad greens (also peppered) and fresh broccoli.

The wine is headsy stuff. Another Russian River Pinot has graced these pages in the recent past and, while good, it cannot measure up to the Buena Vista. This one is not thin, and it’s not weak. It has some substance to it, definitely more blackberry in the works here and less strawberry or vanilla. It pours dark…not Cabernet dark, mind you, but not transparent either. The 2013 Bela is lip-licking delicious, and it is so mild in its finish–an important requisite as the temperatures here have soured all day long.

Quotes the winemaker, “This Pinot Noir displays dark fruit and sandalwood in the glass while each sip delivers layer after layer of complex flavors. Cranberry and cassis layered with blackberry contribute to this penetrating Pinot Noir’s rich, spreading finish.”

Buena Vista only produced 800 cases of this gem, and specifically I’m describing bottle #7074 this evening. It rocked, and I am very grateful to have had the pleasure. Hoping you do too sometime soon. Enjoy…