2008 Deep Cove Central Otago Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $19,
screw cap. Imported by San Francisco Wine Exchange, San
Francisco, CA. A confusing new name and label for Pinot Noir from
Wild Earth Vineyards Ltd., who produced highly touted Pinot Noirs
in 2006 and 2007 under the Wild Earth label. Sourced from estate
Bannockburn vineyards and blend with grapes from other Central
Otago vineyards.
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The strawberry and black cherry fruit is on the
ripe side with a subtle roasted quality. Still quite tasty in a simple,
straightforward way. Velvety in the mouth with gossamer tannins. An easy
going drink that delivers at a value price.
2007 Senders Wines Las Brisas Vineyard Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir
14.7% alc..
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Enticing aromas of ripe dark stone fruits with hints of oak toast,
smoke and violets. Flavorful essence of fresh picked dark cherries and berries
accented by a subtle grilled note. The tannins and acidity are more
harmonious compared to the regular bottling and the silky smooth mouth feel is
a come on. Veers to the edge of being over ripe, but falls short. The fruit
really makes a statement. Very good.
2007 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve California Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., pH 3.68, $15.69. Kendall-Jackson, who cultivates 12,500 acres of vineyards, is reputedly the
largest grower of Pinot Noir in California and the Vintner’s Reserve
Pinot Noir is the best selling Pinot Noir in the United States. This
wine is 92% Pinot Noir with a splash of Petite Sirah, Syrah and
Zinfandel for added color and complexity. Sourced from multiple
California vineyards from Santa Barbara County to Mendocino
County. 86% aged for 9 months in French oak barrels (some
American oak barrel aging as well). The winemaster is Randy Ullom.
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Pleasing slightly confected
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Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Pleasing slightly confected
aromas of strawberries and cherries with supporting oak and cedar. Modestly
intense cherry and berry fruit core veering toward cherry Life-Savor flavor. Soft in the mouth with slippery
tannins. A fine training wheels Pinot that is highly drinkable and a stellar value. Your wine impaired in-laws will
love this wine. Good.
2007 La Fenêtre À Côté Central Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $20.
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Relatively light garnet color in the glass. A woodsy, slightly funky nose with
hints of oak and bay leaf. A simple, lighter-styled wine featuring redder
cherry and berry fruits with a cherry candy and slight green note in the
background. Soft tannins make for easy drinkability. This wine can fill in at
the dinner table with its brisk acidity. Decent.
2007 Senders Wines Las Brisas Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $30.
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Lively aromas of black
cherries and raspberries grab your attention over time in the glass, backed by a vegetal green bean note. Dark
red fruited including currants and roasted plums fan out nicely on the palate with a refreshing lift of acidity on
the back end. Good.
2007 Desmond Estate Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8%
alc., pH 3.69, 80 cases, $36. A field blend of Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777
from the Desmond Estate Vineyard. Aged 10 months in 35% new French oak
barrels.
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Interesting nose with fresh scents of cherries, mint, oak and leather
sole. Medium-weighted flavors of black cherries and black raspberries with a
hint of green tomato and red licorice. Nicely composed with mild tannins and
bright acidity, but lacking mid palate impact. Good.