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Wines
of the Week: Pleasing Pinot - Under $20, 90 Points
There's
just something special about a well-crafted Pinot Noir. While
many of them require one to pay top dollar, we'd found a few
that deliver a lovely character for $20 or less. So scoff that
those higher priced bottles and enjoy these bottles, even on
a budget.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Bread
& Butter 2016 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Bread & Butter
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Aromatics of cherries, strawberries, and blueberries mingle
among expressions of herbs, caramel, and spice on the
nose. Lots of dark fruit is revealed on the palate, as
black cherry, blueberry, and plum are backed up by nuances
of cedar, cola, and herbs. Offering supple tannins and
lush fruit, it's a nice Pinot for the price if you like
a ripe style.
Rating: 90 |
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Z.
Alexander Brown 2015 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Z. Alexander Brown
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
One is greeted by waves of strawberries, plums, and cherries
that are accented by expressions of clove, cola, and chocolate.
The palate takes shape with flavors of cherry, plum, and
raspberry moving into suggestions of brown spice, cola,
and dark chocolate. Supple but with a nice acidity, this
Pinot will do well when paired with a wild mushroom risotto.
Rating: 90 |
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Talbott
"Kali Hart" 2016 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Talbott
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries mingle
among allusions of toasty vanilla, cola, and bacon on
the nose. The palate reveals flavors of raspberry, red
plum, and strawberry that flow towards elements of vanilla,
brown spice, and earth. With a light bodied and fresh
acidity, grilled chicken breasts would pair nicely.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
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