Good Morning Gentle Readers,
You have to be intrigued when the winery states that real Pinot Noir should not cost more than meal you're having it with. Fair enough. I'll bite.
TWC had zero expectations of the 2007 Mark West Pinot Noir at about eight bucks (plus tax), California money. I expected sickly sweet on the palate. That cloying sweetish gag-reflex-inducing something that is often passed off as cherries in cheap Cabs and Merlots. I expected sink pouring wine and the Mark West put that preconception to rest immediately.
Many to most Pinot Noirs costing under twenty dollars (US) are ghastly, nasty, nigh-on-undrinkable affectations whose sole purpose for existence is to fool the average bloke into parting with some of his hard earned based on what he learned from watching Sideways. That sounds precious, doesn't it? But I've never had a Pinot under twenty bucks that was worth drinking. Yet, there are dozens, literally scores of other varietals that are eminently enjoyable in the under-twenty bin. What's up with that? Oh, yeah, Pinot is ever so finicky. Yeah. It is. Too bad the purveyors of mass Pinot aren't as finicky about what makes it to the shelf.
The Mark West isn't necessarily meant for your anniversary. It isn't necessarily the Pinot that Miles would invoke to ring in the New Year. It may not be the Pinot Purist's drink of choice. But it is an affordable, drinkable Pinot Noir that costs less than ten dollars. That is an accomplishment.
This wine is very smooth, from the brim to the dregs. It won't last long, so don't expect to cellar it.
Bonus:
Winemaker's Notes:
Enticing aromas of rich cherry pie, raspberry preserves and ripe plums with barrel notes of exotic vanilla, golden molasses and shortbread cookie. Oak aging rounds out the palate and gives the wine its body. Juicy fruit on the palate tasting of dark red raspberry, jammy strawberry and baked peaches. Our 2007 drinks in juicy fresh berry flavors that stay bright and linger. The finish is full of bright red fruit flavors with a supple texture.
Extra Bonus: The website is almost as eclectic as a Bonny Doon wine label.
As Ever,
TWC
