2014 Sphere Monterey County Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $6.99. This is a featured wine in the spring Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer newsletter. In amongst descriptions of many offerings including whole milk Greek honey yogurt and dark chocolate covered peaberry coffee beans, you will find this wine highlighted. It is said to have been crafted for Trader Joe’s Markets by a winemaker with deep roots in California wine country and is 100% Pinot Noir. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Well-perfumed with scents of strawberry, black cherry and spice. The light weight core of red cherry fruit is accented with complimentary oak and framed by modest tannins making for easy imbibing. The wine is a bit shallow and lacks much finish, but it is not oaky like so many value-priced Pinot Noirs and satisfies all the criteria for a Pinot Noir varietal. At this price, it is hard to complain. This would be a great wedding wine. Score: 87. Reviewed May 11, 2016

Winery: Trader Joe's
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir