While I applaud the alcohol restraint, this latest estate Pinot from Iron Horse comes in on the light side. That said, the delicacy can be refreshing and there is no lack of interesting fruit complexity. There is a mild hint of earth, truffle and the other forest floor characteristics that make Pinot Noir so attractive to many. The tannins are firm, which is to be expected from this cool climate, but I am left to wonder if the fruit will be there when they soften. This wine needs food, and my hunch is it should be consumed young.
Iron Horse, Green Valley (Russian River Valley, California) Pinot Noir 2008
By Robert Whitley