90+ 2014 Meiomi Pinot Noir (California) 3/7/16 ($18)
48% Monterey County, 27% Sonoma County, 25% Santa Barbara County 13.7% alc
Color: Deep black cherry to garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Pretty, ripe, spicy California Pinot fruit, almost smells like Zin but more laid back. (3.0) Body: Lively, tangy mouthfeel with excellent fruit and acidity. Very well balanced. Solid middleweight. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet. Very enjoyable stuff! (3.0) Finish: Long, tangy, spicy finish with a lively herbal component (think basil, mint, watercress). (3.0)
Overall: I tend to be tough on California Pinot Noir in general (usually doesn't have the elegance of Oregon Pinot) and Meiomi in particular (often too tutti-fruity sweet for me). But this vintage is special. It tastes like Meiomi, showing the usual ripeness, but is more balanced, elegant and interesting than any other vintage I've tasted. Whether you credit the vintage or the winemaker is up to you, but this is a truly outstanding CA Pinot for the price. Drink now and in the next few years. (15.0)
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