redtree 2009 Pinot Noir, $8.99-$10.99, 86 points, began in the glass as a clear bright pomegranate red trending crystalline ruby with a broad transparent rim.
Though the nose was a bit lacking in aroma (closed or dumb), earthy red and black cherry were noticeable, and along with an interesting tomato juice smell that was okay!
The almost medium body carried fair acidity and mild tannin. While the flavors were a bit thin and one dimensional, the sweet red cherry and licorice were enough to pair with my lemon soup, rib-eye steak, and buttered sourdough toast.
Light spice, tomato, and a hint of the 12.5% alcohol, were fair for the finish.
The versatility of Pinot Noir red wines continues to amaze, and that's why I was inclined to pick these red wines to evaluate in time for Thanksgiving, and at the end of next week I'll be making my two picks for best Pinot Noir, and best value Pinot Noir. Ideally, at my Thanksgiving table there will be one bottle of the "best" to impress and satisfy, plus three bottles of the "best value" Pinot Noir wine by which to pair with the food, along with two bottles of white wine (A Chardonnay and a Riesling); these for eight people. Who knows, if my guests are exceptionally nice, I just might break-out a Port for dessert!
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Schmitt Söhne Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese 2010 Riesling, $10.19-$13.99, 88 points, appeared a light brass trending gray in color.
Sweet apple, honeysuckle, hints of tangerine and petrol aromas were gossamer, but pleasant.
The creamy off-dry light-plus body carried good acidity with flavors that mirrored the aromas with some cool stoniness.
Finished refreshingly on a trailing palate with a whisper of the 9% alcohol.
Paired excellently with crab cakes, fish cakes, and lobster Rangoon.
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Parker Station 2009 Pinot Noir, $10.00-$14.99, 86 points, appeared a bright ruby trending light cranberry red in color with a broad clear rim.
A juicy red grape and black cherry with a bit of sweaty sock smell was only okay for me.
The medium body with bright acidity and mild tannin dialed-up a crisp foundation for lively strawberry and cranberry flavors which were fresh and tart.
Finished long with an astringent, tart trailing palate, and a hint of spice with a touch of the 13.8% alcohol.
This Fess Parker Pinot Noir nearly fulfills its claim to be "The best Pinot Noir you can afford to drink daily".
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Morgan Santa Lucia Highlands Double L Vineyard 2009 Pinot Noir, $39.09-$49.99, 93+ points, appeared an unusual purple red with a pink hue and a clear rim.
An exceptional aroma with floral red cherry, hints of toast and orange peel, were magical.
Bright acidity and moderate tannin prepared the silky medium body to unfold flavors of red raspberry, red cherry, strawberry, licorice, and violets.
Finished fair on a diminishing palate, earth tones, spice notes, a whisper of mint, and a hint of the 13.8% alcohol.
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Roland Lavantureux 2010 Chablis, $22.09-25.99, 88 points, appeared straw yellow in the glass.
Hints of lemon, melon, and cantaloupe made-up a fair aroma.
Off-dry, the medium-plus body carried good acidity along with mineral notes, early (cold 45 degrees) pear, warming to apricot and cantaloupe flavors.
Finished with a juicy trailing palate, a hint of kiwi, and a hint of the 12.5% alcohol.
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Nicholson Ranch Sonoma Coast 2008 Pinot Noir, $16.99-$38.99, 90 points, appeared sunburst orange-red trending deep rosewood in color with a clear rim at the leggy glass wall.
An earthy cedar nose with black cherry was surprisingly good.
Rather heavy for a Pinot Noir, having a near full body with fair acidity and mild tannin.
Black cherry, plum, coffee, and bay leaf flavors with a remarkably spicy finish marked with considerable heat (14.7% alcohol) made for a rather good "tipple" (Thank you Vinogirl).
This has been a NHLS "Power buy" for sometime now, and one store clerk said people were buying it by the case; I can understand why.
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Pine Ridge 2012 Chenin Blanc + Viognier, $11.99-$14.99, 89 points, appeared as a very light gray with a tint of gold.
A beautiful floral peach with Lychee and pine-needle aroma notes could make some flowers blush.
Good acidity carried on a light-plus body crisply displayed flavors of tangerine and grapefruit with just a gentle sour note.
Finished easy on a trailing palate with whispers of honeysuckle, ginger, and 12% alcohol.
This is an "old-faithful" white wine I have often gone to for any occasion befitting its nature.
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