Wines
of the Week:
Pretty Pinot Noir
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 $25 or less.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Hess
Select 2016 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Hess Select
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Central Coast, Ca
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Elements of cherries, strawberries, and plums intermingle
with hints of cedar and vanilla on the nose. The palate
unfurls with flavors of raspberries, strawberry, and plum
that flow into whispers of clove, vanilla, and rose petals.
Nice fruit and nice acidity make this a Pinot that's ideal
for dishes like duck or roast chicken.
Rating: 89 |
|
J
Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir
Winery:
J Vineyards
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromatics of bing cherries, red currants, and plums mingle
among hints of cola, rose petals, and all-spice on the
nose. Ripe flavors of cherry, strawberry, and plum open
up into expressions of spring flowers, cinnamon and cola
on the palate. Rich fruit and a balanced acidity make
this a winner for the price.
Rating: 90 |
|
Au
Bon Climat 2016 Pinot Noir
Winery:
Au Bon Climat
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: Santa Barbara County, California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 20-25
Review:
A bouquet of vivid red berries, all-spice, earth, and
anise greets the senses. Strawberry, bing cherry and raspberry
flavors open up into nuances of earth and licorice on
the palate. With a food-friendly acidity and lively fruit,
this is a Pinot to pair with grilled salmon.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
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
|