89+ 2007 Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir 8/8/10 ($25)
14.6% alc
Color: Medium black cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Spicy black cherry cola with some Asian spice thrown in. Elegant. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight with excellent fruit and very good acidity. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with some tartness in with the ripe fruit and complementary oak. (3.0) Finish: Spice lingers, but fruit is not as expressive as bouquet. Just a touch of heat. (3.0)
Overall: Pure spicy cherry cola fruit (think Dr. Pepper) in a well-balanced, somewhat elegant package. There's also a little bitter-sweet papaya in the mix. This is fine Central Coast (mostly Monterey and San Luis Obispo) Pinot Noir. Ripe, yet balanced and well-proportioned. Delicious now, but may improve in the next 2-3 years. (15.0)
Copyright © 2006 - 2010, Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com