California Pinot Noir is interesting for its incredibly wide range of flavor possibilities. While Burgundian purists turn up their noses, California wineries continue to push the envelope and look for what can happen with this grape. Ventana’s 2012 bottling is a dense, full bodied wine that doesn’t go into over ripe territory, showing sassy raspberry, sarsaparilla and fall spice aromas and flavors while maintaining solid structure all the way through a long, blooming finish. A real steal for the price, and a Platinum Award winner at the 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.
Ventana Vineyards, Arroyo Seco (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2012
By Rich Cook