Rebounding from some not so interesting Cabernet Sauvignon wines, I was determined to change course and restore my joy of wine once again, and Pinot Noir didn't let me down.
LWC (Loring Wine Company) Gary's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands 2009 Pinot Noir, $33.99-$39.99, 91 points, begins my afternoon with its bright cranberry-plum color, and has this beautiful aroma of gentle, but palpable cedar-cinnamon spice. The flavor is of gentle red fruit with floral hints, bright and lingering. I find Pinot Noir a bit mysterious, like it wants to hide, yet it whispers words of delight that keeps me coming back for more. This is a nice wine, but the price tends to thwart another purchase in the near future.
Siduri Ewald Russian River Valley 2006 Pinot Noir, $25.99-$39.99, 89 points, faces some of the expected cost-factor of many good Pinot Noir Wines. This PN is a bit lighter than the LWC, but the color is very similar, the nose is not as pleasant, but the spice is more noticeable. I sense that this wine is past its peak, having flavors of mushroom and earth with cherry undertones.Bearboat Russian River 2008 Pinot Noir, $15.29-$17.99, 89 points, is you "Best Buy" PN of the three, this wine is the same color as the LWC (Cranberry-Plum), the aroma is similar, but toned-down, and the flavor is a delicious blend of raspberry and tart red cherry. The finish is a moderately long fruit-spice that continues that delicious factor.
In all these wines the alcohol is well balanced and unnoticeable, carrying the fruit-flavor to the fore. It is no-wonder that so many people have fallen in love with Pinot Noir.
All these PNs paired well with Buffalo-wings and Monterey-Jack Nachos, but not so well with a loaded pizza.
Index-of-reviewed-wines
Copyright 2011 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved
Smart and enjoyable reviews Dennis. Glad to see you're experiencing some finer wines once again :)
ReplyDeleteThe LWC appeals to me on a number of levels. The cedar/cinnamon aroma brings back memories of the holidays for me. Some distinct memories that only the smell can bring back sometimes.
And you know I'm all about mystery. I don't think the price would thwart me from trying this wine sometime soon. I'll see if I can find it out here.
Loving the photo on this one too. Cool setup
ReplyDeleteThanks Ben, as I try to buy wines on sale, the number of them builds, and my difficulty comes with which ones to try. That's a difficulty I enjoy.
ReplyDeleteSo, with some help, we got through the three PNs mentioned, but now a new triad is on the way. Stay tuned.
Wow, I was just talking about the Bearboat & Siduri (albeit different label) yesterday! How crazy is that?
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of Siduri (nothing against Bearboat, but Siduri wines are somewhat regular at tastings, & I'm more familiar). I've even met Adam Lee, the winemaker, & he's pretty cool. Anyway, I would have to say that you are probably correct in your idea that the 2006 is on the decline. It's very possible.
(BTW, I finally wrote something tonight, & I'm still drinking the wine I wrote about. SO good.)