A nice ripe Pinot Noir from a cool vintage that doesn’t go over the top. It’s got good complexity of aroma, with black cherry, strawberry, damp earth and sage notes. Clone 667 dominates the cuvée, pushing the red fruit forward on the palate, with nice balance of oak spice, herbs and earth remaining in the mix through the long finish. A solid acid backbone keeps the sweet fruit and alcohol in balance and makes this a nice food wine to accompany red meats in mushroom-based sauces.
J. Lohr Winery, Arroyo Seco (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2011
By Rich Cook