Tasting Notes 1/6/12

NCWC PINOT TASTING, 1/6/12

 RILENTO PINOT GRIGIO 2009

            Welcome to our first Tasting Event of 2012!  We begin with this lovely and organic Pinot Grigio from Sicily.  Fresh, clean aromas of pear, green apple and white peaches follow through on the palate, accented by touches of lime and coriander.  Mouth-watering acidity keeps the mouthfeel lively all the way through the crisp, clean finish.  88 points Tobin Bros.  $10.97.

POPPY PINOT NOIR MONTEREY 2009

                Pinot Noir is difficult to grow, and even harder to make into good wine, which is why many of them are quite expensive.  In fact, good Pinots under $15 are very difficult to find… but that’s our job!  This one delivers a bright red color with intense aromas of damp earth and raspberry. Red cherry, raspberry and allspice dominate the front palate as mushroom and a little toasted oak are present on a long, velvety finish.  87 pts. Jim Tobin.  $12.97.

MANZONI PINOT NOIR SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS 2008

                The appellation of Santa Lucia Highlands, south of Monterey, is prime Pinot country.  Try this and see.  Aromas of vanilla, rose petal and black cherry combine to form an intriguing profile that leaps out of the glass. Cherry, raspberry and cassis fruit flavors mingle with undertones of cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg to produce an intense and lovely drinking experience.  88 points Jim Tobin.  $15.97.

PALI HUNTINGTON PINOT NOIR SANTA BARBARA 2009

                Santa Barbara is also a great source of Pinot.  This one shows off an alluring nose of strawberries and creme, rhubarb, tangy black cherry and a hint of maple syrup. On the palate, the fruit is decidedly forward, with mango and strawberry flavors underscored by white pepper spice and savory herb notes. Smooth and sweet on the finish, this definitely calls for a second sip, and then some.  89 points Jim Tobin.  $17.97.

LINCOURT PINOT NOIR SANTA RITA HILLS 2008

                Santa Rita Hills is the appellation that is home to a number of exceptional Pinots, including Sea Smoke.  This one is much more affordable!  Sweet notes of underbrush, lightly toasty spices and wild cherry greet the nose with a soft floral top note. This is lovely on entry with tannins offering a nice touch of bite, then falling back into the rich blanket of spicy, dark cherry and black raspberry on the palate. The back end is lightly spicy with a rich dark soil tone under a soft layer of baking spice.  89 points Jim Tobin.  $19.97.

ARGER-MARTUCCI PINOT NOIR CARNEROS 2005

                The Carneros region, right below Napa and Sonoma Valleys and just above San Pablo bay, has the cooler climate that Pinot needs to thrive.  This is actually one of the better Carneros Pinots we’ve tried.  The bouquet is one of bright black cherry with hints of black truffle and nutmeg. The palate is lush and soft, the way Pinot Noir should be. The flavors of black cherry follow through on the palate with a hint of dried plums and with undeniable finesse and silkiness.  91 points Jim Tobin.  $24.97.

BRYN MAWR RESERVE PINOT NOIR WILLAMETTE VALLEY 2007

                And then we have Oregon’s Willamette Valley, source of some of our finest, most Burgundian domestic Pinots.  This cool discovery is not widely available, and they don’t make much of it.  Brick red in color, it gets your attention with intense earth, truffle, leather, and smokiness on top of cranberry and pomegranate red fruit aromas. The palate echoes the nose, while showing good body weight and fine grain tannins while providing acid for vibrancy and food-friendliness.  90 points Bill Tobin.  $29.97.