|
Wines
of the Week:
Classic Cali Pinot Noir - 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 and are available for $20 or
less. So scoff that those higher priced bottles and enjoy these,
even on a budget.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Testarossa
2016 "Cuvee Los Gatos" Pinot Noir
Winery:
Testarossa
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Waves of strawberries, cherries, and orange peal combine
among suggestions of earth, clove, and tea on the nose.
The palate reveals flavors of strawberry and bing cherry,
along with accents of brown spice and tea. A lighter-style
Pinot with a nice acidity, open a bottle when you serve
pork tenderloin.
Rating: 90 |
|
Cambria
2015 "Julia's Vineyard" Pinot Noir
Winery:
Cambria
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: Santa Maria Valley, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Lots of plum, strawberry, and raspberry aromas come up
front, with hints of clove, vanilla, and floral earth
backing them up. A vibrant acidity lifts flavors of strawberries,
dark raspberries, and pomegranates that flow into expressions
of vanilla, earth, and all-spice. Lively and well suited
for food, roast chicken or even duck would match up nicely.
Rating: 90 |
|
Kendall-Jackson
2016 "Vinter's Reserve" Pinot Noir
Winery:
Kendall-Jackson
Grape(s): 100%
Pinot Noir
Region: California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Bringing together aromas of cherries, raspberries, and
boysenberries with suggestions of toasty vanilla and brown
spice make the nose rather inviting. On the palate, flavors
of cherry, boysenberry, and raspberry mingle among allusions
of vanilla and toasted coconut. Fairly light and approachable,
with a balanced acidity, it's a must try if you can find
it for under $15.
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
|
|
|