Some Large Volume Pinot Noirs

We had the pleasure of tasting three Pinot Noirs recently with our youngest son and his girlfriend, which was delightful.  I purchased three Pinot Noirs from our local grocery store and these wines should be available at most large chain grocery stores or wine shops.

The first was a Charles Krug, 2009 Pinot Noir from Carneros, $21.99 ($18.99 with club card) 14.4 % alcohol.  Our tasters noted the herbaceous nose, with a hint of sweetness.  We found a slight bitterness in the taste, with some mineral notes as well.  It had a medium finish, subtle tannins and was considered an easy drinking Pinot Noir by the group.

Charles Krug, 2009 Pinot Noir, Carneros $21.99 ($18.99)  91 pts

  

We also tasted a Robert Mondovi Private Selection Pinot Noir 2010, $10.49 ($6.99 club card) 13.5% alcohol.   The group decided this wine in a word was unremarkable.  The nose was closed, the taste was unremarkable and the finish was rather short.  My tasting partner said “Life is too short to drink wines like this” and the group agreed.

Robert Mondovi Private Selection Pinot Noir 2010 $10.49 ($6.99) 87 pts.

  

Finally we tasted an Artesa, 2007 Pinot Noir from Carneros, $23.99 ($17.99 with club card) 13.9% alcohol.  Our tasters thought this wine had a ‘brighter’ nose, with a bolder aroma.  There were some herbaceous notes and mild red fruit on the palate.  It had a medium to long finish.

Artesa, 2007 Pinot Noir, Carneros, $23.99 ($17.99)  91 pts.

In summary, my tasting partner and our son’s girlfriend thought the Charles Krug was the best of the night, while my son and I thought the Artesa was.