A Pinot Noir Trio
Pinot Noir is known for being a tricky grape to grow and make wine from, but when it achieves its ultimate expression it can be a most complex and profound wine. Yes, I used ‘profound’ to describe a wine. This might sound silly, but if you ever get the chance to experience the depth of sensory involvement while drinking a superb Pinot you might be inclined to agree. Good Pinot also evolves in the glass (with exposure to air) which adds another dimension to the experience.
The three Pinots reviewed here may not be profound but they sure were unique and tasty. They provide a good introduction to the world of Pinot at a reasonable price (except for the Silver Stone). The Cabernet trio consisted of New World wines as is the case with these.
2004 Central Coast, Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir – Five Rivers
The colour is a light ruby with brown hues, not purple or inky. The aroma is somewhere between cherry and strawberry. There is an elusive earthy spice that is very satisfying, like clay and cinnamon (this becomes more like dried leaves with breathing – it reminds me of Fall). There is a sweet edge to it and some oak influence is apparent. 4/5 from www.winecurent.com. A lot of Pinot character for the money. $19.95. VG
2001 Chualar Canyon Vineyard Pinot Noir – Silver Stone
Typical light Pinot colours and a nose of cherry spice, loam, and marjoram, but it doesn’t quite deliver on the palate. The alcohol (14.2%) seems to wipe out the subtleties. Sweet cherry leads into a pleasant enough blueberry finish that lingers. Air time brought out a few hints of bacon and coffee, which suggests this wine could age a few more years. If only the alcohol was more in check. $29.95. VG-G
2004 Pinot Noir – Babich
This wine comes from Marlborough, New Zealand. NZ is getting more recognition for their Pinots, and rightly so. A sweet cherry core surrounded by balanced acidity and underpinned by notes of forest floor and beetroot (how’s that for pretentious?). Pomegranate and blueberry linger on the finish. It has the high notes (red fruit) and low notes (earthy) blended together nicely. As with decent Pinot it responds well to breathing, although too much air brings out the barrel toast (which I personally don’t like). There’s even a certain perfume in there that reminds me of pomelo rind. 4/5 from www.winecurent.com. 19.95. VG
The Babich and Fiver Rivers are great values and will give an idea of what Pinot is about without hurting the wallet. I highly recommend both.
In the future I hope to have some Oregon and Bugundian Pinot reviews as well. So much wine so little time!
The three Pinots reviewed here may not be profound but they sure were unique and tasty. They provide a good introduction to the world of Pinot at a reasonable price (except for the Silver Stone). The Cabernet trio consisted of New World wines as is the case with these.
2004 Central Coast, Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir – Five Rivers
The colour is a light ruby with brown hues, not purple or inky. The aroma is somewhere between cherry and strawberry. There is an elusive earthy spice that is very satisfying, like clay and cinnamon (this becomes more like dried leaves with breathing – it reminds me of Fall). There is a sweet edge to it and some oak influence is apparent. 4/5 from www.winecurent.com. A lot of Pinot character for the money. $19.95. VG
2001 Chualar Canyon Vineyard Pinot Noir – Silver Stone
Typical light Pinot colours and a nose of cherry spice, loam, and marjoram, but it doesn’t quite deliver on the palate. The alcohol (14.2%) seems to wipe out the subtleties. Sweet cherry leads into a pleasant enough blueberry finish that lingers. Air time brought out a few hints of bacon and coffee, which suggests this wine could age a few more years. If only the alcohol was more in check. $29.95. VG-G
2004 Pinot Noir – Babich
This wine comes from Marlborough, New Zealand. NZ is getting more recognition for their Pinots, and rightly so. A sweet cherry core surrounded by balanced acidity and underpinned by notes of forest floor and beetroot (how’s that for pretentious?). Pomegranate and blueberry linger on the finish. It has the high notes (red fruit) and low notes (earthy) blended together nicely. As with decent Pinot it responds well to breathing, although too much air brings out the barrel toast (which I personally don’t like). There’s even a certain perfume in there that reminds me of pomelo rind. 4/5 from www.winecurent.com. 19.95. VG
The Babich and Fiver Rivers are great values and will give an idea of what Pinot is about without hurting the wallet. I highly recommend both.
In the future I hope to have some Oregon and Bugundian Pinot reviews as well. So much wine so little time!
Labels: Pinot Noir
posted by Jason Zacarias | 9:07 p.m.
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