Tasting Notes Friday 4/5/13

NCWC PINOT WINE TASTING 4/5/13

TANGENT PINOT GRIS 2008
We begin with this tasty white from Edna Valley. “Bright and refreshing, this Pinot Gris is framed by crisp acidity and vibrant minerality. It has a surprisingly silky mouthfeel, with concentrated flavors of ripe apples and white peaches, and a very slight herbaceous note.” 88 points Jim Tobin. $12.97

GARNET PINOT NOIR 2011
Now to Monterey. “This is a Pinot with power, but also with finesse. Aromas include ripe blackberries, cherry preserves, vanilla toffee and toasted French oak. The flavors of dark red fruits and exotic spices just make this a juicy, delicious mouthful of wine, with a velvety richness.” 89 points Wine Enthusiast. $11.97

BRYN MAWR PINOT NOIR 2009
Up to Oregon we go, specifically Eola-Amity Hills. “Garnet red in color, with bright ripe cherry and maraschino cherry on the nose. Primary fruit notes are shadowed by faint earth, tobacco, and wet granite notes. The palate is light and expressive, with a warm and clean finish.” 88 points Tobin Bros. $15.97

BENCH PINOT NOIR 2011
Back to California, in this case Sonoma County. “This begins with blueberry and raspberry aromatics, then the palate is full of woodsy herbs and mature red flowers – a pure Pinot Noir. A light delicate mouth-feel, juicy and mouthwatering, balanced acidity, fine soft tannin. A tremendous and beautiful Pinot Noir for the price!” 88 points Tobin Bros. $15.97

AMPELOS PINOT NOIR 2011
Now for our Santa Rita Hills entry. “This Pinot is a great friend of ours. It all started when he walked in wearing a suit and tie. He was gracious in his offerings of dark cherry, rich cola and butterscotch so we invited him to dinner. Arriving at the ranch, the suit was gone, the boots were on and the stories of well worn leather and spice began. Our friend’s storied past is rooted in the rich clay soil and cool ocean breezes of the Sta. Rita Hills. Like the perfect playlist, the fruit for this wine was carefully selected from three small vineyards, aged in French oak and the result – a killer wine for every occasion.” 91 points Tobin Bros. $22.97

CRISTOM MT. JEFFERSON CUVEE PINOT NOIR 2010
Back to Oregon, the Willamette Valley. “Light, bright red. Red berry and floral scents are complemented by cinnamon and black tea. Racy and light on its feet, offering vibrant redcurrant and strawberry flavors and a touch of bitter herbs. Finishes tangy and lucid, leaving spice and floral notes behind.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer. $26.97

PAUL HOBBS PINOT NOIR 2011
And we close with this prestigious wine from the Russian River Valley. “Deep violet in color, this lush Pinot Noir offers aromas of wild berries, rose petals and cola. The juicy wine envelopes your palate with bright raspberry, plum, clove, cocoa and vanilla which seamlessly leads to a long, toasty finish.” $48.97