Wines
of the Week:
Pretty Pinot Noir - Great Values
Pinot
Noir is often pricey, particularity if you're after a pretty
(tasty) one. But for lovers of the variety who are on a budget,
there is hope. While value Pinot Noirs don't always deliver
something all that enjoyable, our tasting panel has discovered
a few that hit the spot for about $15 or less.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Wild
Horse 2015 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Wild Horse
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Central Coast, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Strawberries and cherries interweave with expressions
of clove and floral earth on the nose. Plush tannins frame
flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry that flow
into suggestions of all spice and minerals on the palate.
A lighter Pinot with a nice balance of fruit and earth,
a Mediterranean chicken dish would pair well.
Rating: 89 |
|
The
Monterey Vineyard 2015 Pinot Noir
Winery:
The Monterey Vineyard
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A nice combination of strawberries and cherries melds
with hints of cola and herbs on the nose. Light and supple,
flavors of strawberry, cherry, and cranberry play with
suggestions of cola and thyme on the palate. Easy going
fruit but rhere's enough acidity to lift the wine up.
Pork chops would make a good pairing.
Rating: 89 |
|
Hahn
2015 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Hahn
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A mix a strawberries, plums, and cherries come together
with hints of cola and violets on the nose. Up front there's
lots of strawberry jam and cherry flavors that flow into
nuances of spring flowers, cola, and clove. Fruit-driven
and lighter bodied, it could pair well with a veggie dish,
like ratatouille.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
Photo
credit: Didriks via Foter.com / CC BY
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|