Inland Empire Wine-California Pinot Tasting

Saturday August 23. 2008 … NapaCabs.com

Pinot Noir is the most evocative, provocative and mysterious varietals grown. The challenge of a good Pinot is in its precise needs – perfect climate, just the right amount of oak treatment to add complexity, and precise tannin management to ensure a silky and pleasing mouth feel. The best efforts at Pinot Noir are lush, exotic, spicy and sexy. The worst are green, stalky and bitter. You be the judge of this incredibly captivating and fickle grape, as we taste a flight of California Pinots.

Domaine Chandon 06 Rose of Pinot Noir Carneros $14.95

The light pink hue of this un-oaked rose seems in perfect harmony with the delicate aromas of cherry blossoms, watermelon and fresh strawberries. The palate bursts with white cherries, strawberries and ruby red grapefruit, accented by its bright refreshing finish. Lightly chilled, this Pinot Noir Rose will provide a refreshing accompaniment to lightly grilled seafoods and poultry, such as spiced shrimp or marinated chicken. (14.1%)

Mark West 2006 Pinot Noir California $8.95

“Pinot For The People” is the battle cry of Mark West Winery's value Pinot revolution. Enticing aromas of cherry-raspberry pie and cola berry intertwine with barrel notes of candied vanilla and spice. Oak aging rounds out the palate and gives the wine its body. Deep rich berry compote flavors. Pinot from beginning to silky finish. (13.8%)

Mac Murray Ranch 2006 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast $13.95

Mac Murray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir possesses an expressive fruit character, exhibiting rich aromas of red, blue and black fruits of cherry, ripe blueberries and dark current. The flavors are melded together with earthy notes, balanced perfectly with the nuance of soft vanilla from the oak aging. (13.5%)

De Loach 2006 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley $17.95

This wine offers classic Russian River Valley aromas of cola with dark fruit and notes of barrel spice. Flavors of black cherry, violet and a note of cinnamon unfold on the palate. This Pinot is silky smooth with a supple finish that glides across the palate. (14.5%)

Domaine Chandon 2006 Pinot Meunier Carneros $25.95

Pinot Meunier (French for “miller” in reference to the powdery underside of the leaves that can look as though dusted with flour) is the soulful sibling of Pinot Noir. With its light brick-red color, this wine exhibits aromas of freshly ground white pepper, juniper berry and dried strawberry powder combined with hints of soft chamois leather and underlying earth tones of dried porcini mushrooms, tobacco and brown spice. On the palate, the spice and red fruit flavors are a prelude to the strawberry and dried cranberry flavors that linger on the finish. This texture of this wine is soft and approachable with light tannins, balanced acidity and a pleasant creamy mouth feel. (14.3%)

Alma Rosa 2006 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills $29.95

WE 92pts. - A combination of Pinot clones from the vineyard, and a variety of new and used French oak barrels join forces to create the 2006 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. Not as high in the treble notes as the 2005, this wine has the bass knob turned up, showcasing the darker, more covert aspects of Pinot Noir. Rich fruit flavors and aromas are bolstered by a smoky spiciness that would pair well with classic grilled preparations, roasts and stews, even hearty fish dishes. (13.9%)