$30.00
This Pinot is brought to you by sommelier and wine maker, Matt Kaner, who was also named one of Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40 for 2019. The grapes used to produce this wine come from the Santa Maria Valley region located in northern Santa Barbara County. Grape growing in this region dates back to the 1830’s due primarily to the region’s valley opening to the Pacific Ocean. This distinct location creates a cool growing environment that features a long growing season with minimal rainfall, leading to the grapes having extended time on the vine to build mouthwatering flavors.
He says: 93
I first have to acknowledge that on November 10, 1775 the United States Marine Corps was formed in Tun Tavern… perhaps over a glass of Pinot Noir?? Today marks the 245th birthday of the Marine Corps which I had the pleasure of serving in as a Reservist. Volunteering to serve for my country and having the name “Marine” bestowed upon me is something I often talk about and will always cherish. Happy Birthday to all my fellow Marines, once a Marine always a Marine, Semper Fi! Additionally, November 11th is also Veteran’s Day here in the U.S. and we both would like to thank all the service men and women who previously served, are currently serving, will serve and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for the time, energy and sacrifice you give for our freedom.
The Pinot we chose for this special occasion was a California Pinot Noir, which was fitting since I lived in San Diego California during boot camp with the U.S. Marines. This wine had a notable rustic plum color with thick, robust, slow moving legs. The nose presented delightful aromas of olives, fig and oak which was begging to be tried. Notes of velvety coffee, oak and green peppers were prominent before leading to the prolonged finish. This is a medium-bodied wine that is nicely balanced and very approachable. I personally think this wine is reasonably priced for the quality, I would definitely buy it again and would suggest a drink window of now through 2022.
She says: 92
One of the things I like best about wine drinking in the autumn months, is discovering a smokey red to match the season. I was pleasantly surprised when we uncorked the bottle, I immediately noted complex scents of chocolate and smoke, pomegranate and apricot, green olives and figs. Once poured, this Pinot Noir had a dark auburn/light rusty coffee hue that was very clear and moderately transparent. I commented on the slow to develop legs, once present they were thick and jammy.
This full-bodied wine was creamy on the tongue with bold flavors of raisins, smoke, figs, ripe apricots and oak. I really enjoyed the hints of metallic smoke that faded into plum during the lingering finish. I would absolutely recommend this wine to my smoke-minded wine friends.
