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.
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.
