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US Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris
Reviews for 2019

January 2019 - US Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris

January 2019 - US Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris
This month's Wine feature is US Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris Wines

US Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris Reviews

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San Simeon 2017 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir
93 points
$22
San Simeon
2017 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir
Bright ruby color. Attractive aromas of dried cranberry and cherry, raspberry sorbet, red and black licorice, cola, grand marnier, and crimini mushroom with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light body and an intriguing, medium-long fine tea, spice cabinet, and sun dried tomato relish finish with light oak flavor. A vibrant and pure pinot noir with aging potential
93 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Paradise Ridge 2016 Vineyard Select Pinot Noir
93 points
$65
Paradise Ridge
2016 Vineyard Select Pinot Noir
Light ruby color. Aromas of crushed blackberries and leather with a satiny, crisp, fruity light body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long compressed watermelon, sweet herbs, tangerine, and quince finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A fruit-forward pinot noir with ripe berry aromas and a juicy appeal.
93 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Portola Vineyards 2014 Pinot Noir
92 points
$38
Portola Vineyards
2014 Pinot Noir
Dark dusty violet color. Aromas of baked figs and dates, dried rose petal, legumes, and roasted beets with a velvety, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, complex, long cafe latte, roasted berries, chocolate silk pie, black licorice, and toffee finish with moderate oak flavor. Refined fruits and endless notes of anise and chocolate make this a memorable Pinot Noir
92 points $38
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Date Tasted:
McIlroy 2017 Clone 828 Pinot Noir
92 points
$40
McIlroy
2017 Clone 828 Pinot Noir
Dusty light garnet color. Floral aromas of rose petal jam, wild raspberry, mint, and dried currant with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, elegant, medium-long candied tomato, dried fig, and saffron finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. An exotic and perfumed Pinot Noir that will be an excellent companion to North African fare.
92 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Nelson Hill 2016 Deep End Vineyard Pinot Noir
92 points
$44
Nelson Hill
2016 Deep End Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby color. Aromas of toasty creamy meringue, berry custard tart, and potting soil with an bright, fruity medium body and an interesting, medium-length dried cherries, vanilla toffee, cedar, and pink pepper finish with chewy, fine tannins and light oak flavor. A lovely, layered pinot noir present with a compelling combination of delicacy and depth wrapped in a terroir-ific bow.
92 points $44
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Date Tasted:
Carlton Cellars 2015 Roads End Reserve Pinot Noir
92 points
$45
Carlton Cellars
2015 Roads End Reserve Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby color. Floral aromas and flavors of ripe blueberry and cranberry, rose petal confiture, raspberry preserves, and acacia wood with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light body and a sleek, appealing, medium-length finish that presents notes of cardamom, cinnamon swirl toast, bakers chocolate, and mustard seed. Unforgettable heady notes of rose petal jam beckon for another sip in this charming Yamhill-Carlton Pinot noir
92 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Nelson Hill 2015 Deep End Vineyard Pinot Noir
92 points
$46
Nelson Hill
2015 Deep End Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dusty garnet color. Interesting aromas of tart cherries, wild mushrooms, dried rose, and fresh herbs with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light body and a tingling, appealing, medium-long black forest gateau, heirloom tomato, raspberry mousse, and watermelon rind finish with light oak flavor. A fruity yet elegant Pinot Noir that will be a nice offering at the holiday table.
92 points $46
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Date Tasted:
Nelson Hill 2014 Deep End Vineyard Pinot Noir
92 points
$48
Nelson Hill
2014 Deep End Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby color. Aromas of cranberry confiture, fig paste, red apple, and fresh oregano with a satiny, lively, dry-yet-fruity light body and an even, appealing, medium-long orange marmalade, salty-sweet bun, chocolate drizzle, and black tea finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A vibrant pinot noir, lush with dried fruits; great aging potential.
92 points $48
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Date Tasted:
Tom Eddy 2015 Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir
92 points
$65
Tom Eddy
2015 Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir
Ruby garnet color. Complex aromas of cherry mostarda, lavender, peach tea, and bergamot with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, long raspberry filled chocolate truffle, pink peppercorn, and balsamic glaze finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A very attractive Pinot Noir with style for days.
92 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Cline 2017 Estate Grown Pinot Gris
91 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Cline
2017 Estate Grown Pinot Gris
Pale brushed amber color. Elegant aromas of fresh sliced pear, grapefruit marmalade, minerals, jasmine, snap pea, and honey with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, complex, medium-long succulent peach and apricot-almond finish with no oak flavor. A stylish and nuanced Pinot Gris to share with excellent company.
91 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Paradise Ridge 2016 Walters Vineyard Pinot Noir
91 points
$54
Paradise Ridge
2016 Walter's Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby color. Fruity aromas of pomegranate, compressed watermelon, and fresh mint with a round, lively, fruity light-to-medium body and a graceful, medium-length cherry preserves, foraged mushrooms, dried figs and dates, and slivered hazelnuts finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A spot-on velvety Pinot Noir with elegant fruit.
91 points $54
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Date Tasted:
Poppy 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir
90 points
$18
Best Buy
Poppy
2014 Reserve Pinot Noir
Burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate croissant, buttered gingerbread, red apple and beet relish, and mushrooms in cream with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and a graceful, interesting, medium-long finish imparting touches of hazelnut latte and blood orange with silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich and toasty Pinot Noir that’s been well-loved by the barrel.
90 points $18 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Brassfield Estate 2017 High Serenity Ranch Pinot Gris
90 points
$22
Brassfield Estate
2017 High Serenity Ranch Pinot Gris
Yellow straw color. Aromas of white peach, heather, honey, and lanolin with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length cantaloupe finish with no oak flavor. A vibrant Pinot Gris with layers of minerality and stylish fruit.
90 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2017 Estate Pinot Noir
90 points
$34
Alexander Valley Vineyards
2017 Estate Pinot Noir
Ruby garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cherry and white chocolate toffee and buttery praline with an vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a stimulating, medium-long finish with accents of cherry and raspberry coulis and chocolate orange peel with soft, chewy tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A concentrated and flavorful pinot with ample fruit and refreshing acidity.
90 points $34
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Date Tasted:
Carlton Cellars 2015 Estate Pinot Noir
90 points
$35
Carlton Cellars
2015 Estate Pinot Noir
Dusty garnet color. Savory aromas and flavors of marinated beets, fresh dill, basalt, and fig bar with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish medium body and a warming, medium-length finish with notes of green peppercorn with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A full-bodied Pinot Noir with lots of earthy inflection.
90 points $35
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Date Tasted:
City Winery 2016 Hyland Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir
90 points
$36
City Winery
2016 Hyland Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir
Dusty violet color. Perfumed aromas and flavors of huckleberry sauce, sweet pea blossom, spiced cherries, and cranberry scone with a round, lively, fruity light-to-medium body and a seamless, delightful, medium-long finish that shows accents of cumin and thyme. A floral and juicy Willamette Valley in a charming style.
90 points $36
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Date Tasted:
McIlroy 2017 Chock Rock Vineyard Pinot Noir
90 points
$40
McIlroy
2017 Chock Rock Vineyard Pinot Noir
Light garnet color. Aromas of old fashioned coffee and dried cherries with a satiny, vibrant, dryish light body and a graceful, interesting, medium-long grilled mushrooms, red pear, and cranberry mostarda finish. A highly pairable, mouthwatering pinot noir that won’t let you down.
90 points $40
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Date Tasted:
City Winery 2016 Bacigalupi Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir
90 points
$42
City Winery
2016 Bacigalupi Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir
Ruby garnet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of cranberry, compressed watermelon, and dark chocolate shavings with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-length finish manifesting notes of flaky pastry and orange flower water essence almonds. A lovely pairing to roast turkey; fruit-forward and deliciously balanced.
90 points $42
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Date Tasted:
Lobo 2015 Wulff Vineyards Pinot Noir
90 points
$45
Lobo
2015 Wulff Vineyards Pinot Noir
Dusty dark violet color. Perfumed, attractive aromas of wild strawberry, morello cherry, sweet pea blossom, juicy plum, and cedar with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, amusing, medium-length dried fig, compressed watermelon, mint, cocoa butter, and licorice tea finish with soft tannins and moderate oak flavor. A perfumed Pinot Noir with lip smacking acidity; needs no excuse to sip.
90 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Alara Cellars 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir
90 points
$53
Alara Cellars
2016 Reserve Pinot Noir
Bright violet color. Aromas and flavors of cranberry chutney, candied cherries, sun dried tomato, and roasted coffee beans with a satiny, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, delightful, medium-long finish. A concentrated Pinot Noir with jump-out-of-the-glass aromas.
90 points $53
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Date Tasted:
Four Vines 2017 The Maverick Pinot Noir
89 points
$19.99
Four Vines
2017 The Maverick Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby garnet color. Aromas of spiced cranberries, leather, and candied orange peel with a silky, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, refreshing, medium-length candied beets, rose petal and mulberry jam finish. A juicy and highly pairable Pinot Noir that satisfies with a rush of enticing flavors.
89 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
McIlroy 2017 Bembey Vineyard Pinot Noir
89 points
$40
McIlroy
2017 Bembey Vineyard Pinot Noir
Light garnet color. Sweet aromas of wedding cake and chocolate dipped strawberries with a silky, vibrant, off-dry light body and a smooth, breezy candied lemon peel, ganache, and compressed watermelon finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A fruit-forward Pinot Noir with kisses of sweetness; a wine for cocktail hour.
89 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Alara Cellars 2016 Pinot Noir
89 points
$41
Alara Cellars
2016 Pinot Noir
Ruby black color. Aromas of cherry cola, black currant, carob, and clove cigarette with a slightly chewy, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, intriguing, medium-length flourless chocolate cake and black pepper finish with dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. A dark, almost brooding Pinot Noir filled with spice.
89 points $41
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Date Tasted:
Ledson 2016 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
89 points
$60
Ledson
2016 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of s’mores and bacon wrapped dates with cream cheese with an soft, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an appealing, medium-length finish that shows nuances of honey roasted beets, ground roasted nuts, minerals, and pepper with fine, dusty tannins and light oak flavor. A dark and brooding pinot with a meaty, savory streak.
89 points $60
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Date Tasted:
Poppy 2015 Pinot Noir
88 points
$15
Best Buy
Poppy
2015 Pinot Noir
Garnet color. Aromas and flavors of honeyed cherry compote and beet relish with an bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an appealing, instant finish conveying touches of vanilla nuts with well-integrated, fine tannins and light oak flavor. A nice and tidy pinot with a good balance of fruit and oak that is sure to please.
88 points $15 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
City Winery 2016 Alder Springs Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir
88 points
$36
City Winery
2016 Alder Springs Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir
Bright dark ruby color. Fruity aromas of blueberry compote and cherry pie with a satiny, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length tea and black pepper finish with crunchy tannins. A Pinot Noir bursting with purple fruit and table-friendly tannins.
88 points $36
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Date Tasted:
Ledson 2016 Valeries Vineyard Pinot Noir
88 points
$38
Ledson
2016 Valerie's Vineyard Pinot Noir
Ruby garnet color. Aromas of cherry, patent leather, and candied beets with a velvety, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and an even, refreshing, medium-length milk chocolate, cinnamon bun, and dried blueberry finish with light oak flavor. An oaky pinot noir with instant appeal.
88 points $38
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Date Tasted:
Frey 2016 Pinot Noir
87 points
$18
Frey
2016 Pinot Noir
Dusty dark ruby color. Aromas of wild cherry, tootsie roll, musk, and black tea with a silky, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, carefree raspberry jam, dried fig, black licorice, and cedar shavings finish with moderate oak flavor. A fruity anytime Pinot Noir.
87 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Calcareous Vineyards 2017 Twisted Paso Pinot Noir
87 points
$19.99
Calcareous Vineyards
2017 Twisted Paso Pinot Noir
Burnt sienna color. Aromas of strawberry yogurt, watermelon, and carnation with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length cherry cobbler and spice cabinet finish with medium, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. Outgoing fruits make this an instantly appealing pinot noir.
87 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Penns Woods 2016 Pinot Noir
87 points
$30
Penns Woods
2016 Pinot Noir
Siam color. Aromas of cherry popsicle, dates, dried mushrooms, and ripe strawberry with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, easy heirloom tomatoes and marinated roasted red pepper finish. A fruit-forward Pinot noir with a great juiciness to complement the meal.
87 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Paradise Ridge 2016 Pinot Noir
87 points
$45
Paradise Ridge
2016 Pinot Noir
Brown brick red color. Fruity aromas of sugared cranberries, cherry pie, crimini mushroom, and pepper with a silky, crisp, light-to-medium body and a warming, interesting, medium-length wild strawberry and halvah finish with light oak flavor. A fuller-bodied pinot noir that will pair well with richer meals.
87 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Member’s Mark 2017 Pinot Grigio
86 points
$8
Best Buy
Member’s Mark
2017 Pinot Grigio
Straw green color. Aromas of candied orange peel, sweet apples, honey, and cucumber with a supple, bright, dryish light body and a sleek, appealing, crisp poached pear and almond cookie finish with no oak flavor. A supple, friendly pinot grigio with hints of apple and almond.
86 points $8 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Avalon 2017 Pinot Noir
86 points
$11.99
Best Buy
Avalon
2017 Pinot Noir
Bright ruby color. Fruity aromas of cherry confection, ripe watermelon, raspberry liqueur, and nut skins with a satiny, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length tiramisu and pomegranate-studded chocolate finish with light oak flavor. A fruit-forward and crowd-pleasing pinot noir.
86 points $11.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Cline 2017 Pinot Noir
86 points
$14.99
Cline
2017 Pinot Noir
Brown brick red color. Interesting aromas of overripe cherry, wood chips, eucalyptus, and tomato leaf with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, stimulating, medium-long chocolate buttercream, pie crust, and dried figs finish with woody tannins. A friendly pinot noir with lots of chewy chocolate notes to enjoy.
86 points $14.99
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Date Tasted:
Sebastopol Oaks 2017 Pinot Noir
86 points
$15
Best Buy
Sebastopol Oaks
2017 Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby black color. Aromas of red licorice, cherry pie, figs, and pancetta with a silky, bright, off-dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, brisk molasses and pencil shavings finish with moderate oak flavor. A lighthearted Pinot Noir.
86 points $15 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Square, Plumb & Level 2016 Libra Vineyard Pinot Noir
86 points
$29.99
Square, Plumb & Level
2016 Libra Vineyard Pinot Noir
Ruby color. Aromas and flavors of minestrone, grilled baguette, dried blueberry, and hay with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of strawberry preserves and roasted beets with a suggestion of oak flavor. A rustic and savory Pinot Noir that will be a hit with the right pairing.
86 points $29.99
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Date Tasted:
AVA Grace 2017 Pinot Grigio
85 points
$11.99
AVA Grace
2017 Pinot Grigio
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of struck match, pear, and green apple with a soft, vibrant, dryish light body and a sleek, swift finish revealing accents of lime candies and creme fraiche with no oak flavor. A solid go-to pinot grigio for party-pleasing.
85 points $11.99
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Date Tasted:
Alara Cellars 2017 Pinot Grigio
85 points
$29
Alara Cellars
2017 Pinot Grigio
Pale light amber color. Aromas of nasturtium and apple spa-water with a supple, crisp, dryish thin body and a polished, brisk lemon spritz and salted lassi finish. A light-on-its-feet pinot grigio for anytime sipping.
85 points $29
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Date Tasted:
Lloyd Cellars 2016 Pinot Noir
85 points
$50
Lloyd Cellars
2016 Pinot Noir
Dusty dark violet color. Smoky aromas and flavors of chocolate croissant, candied bacon, buttercream, dried leaves, and garlic scapes with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a medium-length finish with touches of raspberry vinaigrette with barky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A smoky, chewy Pinot Noir for the table.
85 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Esser Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir
84 points
$14.99
Esser Vineyards
2015 Pinot Noir
Burnt sienna color. Aromas of cherry-vanilla confection and charred cornmeal crust with a slightly chewy, bright, dry light body and an effortless, brisk cherry cola and salted roasted mushrooms finish with dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. A smoky Monterey Pinot Noir that will work well at the table.
84 points $14.99
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Date Tasted:
Kestrel 2017 Pinot Grigio
84 points
$17
Kestrel
2017 Pinot Grigio
Straw color. Aromas of pineapple and struck match with a silky, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a sleek, carefree poached pear, sweet plantain, lime spritzed papaya, and peach stone finish with no oak flavor. A tropical, fruit-forward Pinot Grigio with bright acidity.
84 points $17
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Date Tasted:
Frey 2016 Pinot Grigio
84 points
$18
Frey
2016 Pinot Grigio
Golden yellow color. Aromas of candied apricot, honey, caramel yogurt, and lime cordial with a satiny, bright, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, brisk straw finish. A funky, full-bodied Pinot Grigio with lots of dried fruit character.
84 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Brassfield Estate 2015 High Serenity Ranch Pinot Noir
84 points
$24
Brassfield Estate
2015 High Serenity Ranch Pinot Noir
Dusty garnet color. Savory, smoky aromas of struck match, bacon, moss, and turned earth with a slightly chewy, bright, dryish light body and a smooth, brisk cranberry reduction and cedar finish with barky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A solid red for the gang.
84 points $24
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Date Tasted:
Portola Vineyards 2014 Estate Bottled Los Trancos Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
84 points
$38
Portola Vineyards
2014 Estate Bottled Los Trancos Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas of wild strawberry, earthy cherry, smoky oak, bubble gum, and banana custard with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an interesting, medium-length graphite and black tea finish with woody tannins and moderate oak flavor. Assertive soft fruits make this a distinctive Santa Clara Pinot with body to pair with rich meals.
84 points $38
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Date Tasted:
Firefly Ridge 2017 Pinot Grigio
83 points
$6.99
Firefly Ridge
2017 Pinot Grigio
Topaz gray color. Aromas of ripe pear and dried pineapple with a soft, crisp, light body and a seamless, short melon, bitter almond, and parchment finish with no oak flavor. An easy, breezy white.
83 points $6.99
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Date Tasted:
Black Box 2017 Pinot Noir
80 points
$6.25
Black Box
2017 Pinot Noir
Garnet color. Aromas and flavors of vanilla candle, root beer float confection, and red rope licorice with a coarse, bright, dry-yet-fruity light body and a short finish with accents of saw dust with woody tannins and moderate oak flavor. A vanilla-forward wine for the gang.
80 points $6.25
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Date Tasted:
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