Founded in 1987, Edna Valley's Baileyana Winery makes a couple of different varietals, which include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, all which come from their Firepeak Vineyard. The estate runs up to the base of Islay Mountain, the last in a chain of extinct volcanoes known as the Seven Sisters, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Influenced by layers of fossilized volcanic remnants and rocky marine sediment, their estate soil, appropriately named "Dirt of the Devil" imparts a uniqueness that carries through to their wine.

I had an opportunity to taste their 2005 Firepeak Vineyard "GFC" (Grand Firepeak Cuvee) Pinot Noir, which conveys a welcoming spiciness and complexity.

Culminated in an extremely cool September, the grapes had an opportunity to ripen and produce a fresh and supple Pinot Noir. The aromas carry enticing fruit and spice and the flavors consist of soft-layered overtones of cherry, blackberry and raspberry that linger from start to finish; it's a Burgundian style Pinot with lots of finesse. 2300 case production. Drink now or hold for 10 years. ~ Pamela Heiligenthal