Earlier this week I got to attend my first group wine tasting in nearly a year and a half. Thanks to the pandemic, wine tastings - like most other social events - were as rare as a decent under-$20 Pinot Noir. Thankfully, at this tasting, I discovered a Pinot Noir that sells for well under 20 bucks and is truly outstanding. The tasting was hosted by Utah’s Libation, Inc. … [Read more...]
Mer Soleil Reserve Pinot Noir 2017
For many years, I’ve been a big fan of buttery, rich Mer Soleil Chardonnay where you can pick up lemon blossoms in the aroma of the wine from the Meyer lemons planted on the Mer Soleil property in the Santa Lucia Highlands of California. I was less familiar with Mer Soleil Reserve Pinot Noir ($39.99), until recently. Now I’m a fan of that Mer Soleil selection as well. It’s one … [Read more...]
RICKSHAW Pinot Noir
Last week I asked my wife, Faith, to pick me up an inexpensive bottle of California Pinot Noir when she stopped by the wine store - “Surprise me,” I said. Now, Faith tends to choose wines based on bottle labels and art that she likes. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) So, I shouldn’t have been surprised that she brought home a bottle of 2019 RICKSHAW Pinot Noir … [Read more...]
Etude Pinot Noir
If you’re in the market for a great holiday gift for a wine lover, or just looking for an excellent red wine to serve with Christmas dinner, I’d consider Etude Pinot Noir, Grace Benoist Ranch, Carneros Estate Grown. According to Etude winemaker Jon Priest, this Etude Carneros Pinot Noir “hails from our estate vineyards tucked away in the far Northwest corner of the Carneros … [Read more...]