Just like the LBD (little black dress), a glass of Pinot Noir is always a stylish choice, no matter the occasion. Often romanticized, always sexy, Pinot Noir can be made into red wine with profiles from silky and fruit-forward to bold, complex and savory. This noble grape can be produced as a sparkling wine, a rosé or even a white wine. Perfect for pairing with a plethora of foods such as salmon with sauce, herbed roast chicken and juicy burgers still sizzling off the grill, Pinot Noir feels right at home at casual settings or your next swanky dinner party.
The following wines, all Pinot Noir from California, were sent to me as samples. With such a range of prices, each has a place at the table and in the glass. Enjoy every sip of this stylish, classic choice.
Rockhound Wine 2021 Pinot Noir ($90) is the second wine in the Rockhound portfolio from Lang & Reed Napa Valley. Pinot Noir from the acclaimed Radian Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills is ripe, bold and striking. Aromas of balsamic and strawberries were the prelude to flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, berries and herbs. Fresh and complex, Rockhound 2021 Pinot Noir complements anything from lamb burgers to pasta with red sauce to bountiful salads with warm crusty bread. Only 115 cases are produced.
Frank Family Vineyards 2017 Brut Rosé ($60) is of 100% Pinot Noir from Carneros AVA. Aromas and flavors of rose petals, juicy raspberries, strawberries, citrus and subtle notes of raw almonds were bright and refreshing. Brilliant acidity and minerality made this wine a lovely aperitif with guests one crisp, cool evening.
2021 Mount Eden Vineyards Pinot Noir ($57) is of fruit from vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation, about 50 miles south of San Francisco. Notes of wild strawberry, crushed blueberries and savory herbs are on a foundation of food friendly acidity and firm tannic structure. Cellar this wine for a few years, open the bottle, then take the roasted chicken or turkey out of the oven and pour another glass.
2021 Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir ($40) is an intensely flavored wine of grapes cultivated in Carneros AVA. Balanced with plenty of depth, this Pinot boasts vibrant acidity and silky tannins that provided a firm foundation to notes of rich red fruit, crushed raspberries, baking spice, and oak. Enjoy with tacos, soups, chicken dishes with creamy sauces or your favorite panini for a taste sensation.
Cherry Pie 2021 Tri-County Pinot Noir ($19.99) is from grapes grown in three California AVAs within Napa County, Monterey County and Santa Barbara County. Bright fruit, earth notes on the nose and palate, and vibrant acidity pay homage to the unique characteristics of the three locations. On the nose and palate I found baking spice such as allspice and cinnamon, plums, cherries, cranberries and oak. Balanced with soft tannins, the finish was lingering. Consider this Pinot your next go-to wine.
2021 J. Lohr Estates Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir ($17) is of fruit sourced from Monterey County. Delicious spicy strawberries, watermelon, spice and herbal notes on the nose led to flavors of dried cherries, raspberries and Earl Grey tea. Pour a glass of two with a vege pizza or steaming bowl of chili. Affordable and delicious.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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