Pinot Noir

Gala Rouge 2006 Pinot Noir France



It’s biggest failing is, except for the tannins and acidity, a certain lack of intensity for this wine. Good for dinner, but probably not really for sipping. Better choices might be the 2006 Pizza Vino, the 2005 Lorval, the 2005 Tortoise Creek and the 2006 Arrow Creek. One from Calinfornia, the rest from France.

Petit Bistro 2005 Pinot Noir France



As ten dollar wines go, this one isn’t bad. It’s a bit short to nonexistent on the aroma department but pretty dependable otherwise. A wine that’s OK for sipping and maybe a light dinner too.

Redwood Creek 2006 Pinot Noir France



Redwood Creek? France? You know, I’m seeing more and more of this. French wines with American names. Shouldn’t Napa Valley protest to the International Trade Commission over this? We can’t call our sparkling wines Champagne. Why should they get to use American names for their wines? And it’s a somewhat pedestrian wine that is best suited for dinner than for sipping.

Pizza Vino 2005 Pinot Noir California



It’s a good thing they named it “Pizza Vino”. It’s a wine that definitely good with pizza, or spaghetti, lasagna, .etc. Even better, it’s good enough to not even bother with the pizza.

Arrow Creek 2006 Pinot Noir France



As Pinot’s go, not a bad one. Higher grades might have been garnered if there was a more intense aroma. Otherwise, drink it up!

Talus 2005 Pinot Noir California



The wine has some positive points, but it’s tannins at the end give this wine a lesser grade. I guess for $7 you really can’t expect too much. Some better wine choices, if more expensive, are Dynamite 2004, Cline 2005, Zinfatuation 2005 (only available at World Market.)

Lorval 2005 Pinot Noir France



This was the first of two bottles we had that night, and at least one turns your tongue completely black. If this isn't the wine that did it, then for $5 per bottle you've got a great table wine to serve to the children, or lesser guests, while you open up something a bit better for yourself. I'm not going to buy it again, but, if it's on a happy hour menu, it's a safe choice.

Turning Leaf 2005 Pinot Noir California



If your nymph is lacking in refinement, then this is the wine for you. It's cheap, goes down easy and just a little accompaniment will mask its flaws. Good for all nighters as well.

Mirassou 2006 Pinot Noir California



It’s another clandestine review at a local eatery. (Johnny Carrino’s) Drinkable, but frankly you might do better with their house wines than this one. Although if you are looking for a floor show, the waiter removing the cork (which appeared to be a reconstituted variety) made for some entertainment as it broke in the bottle while he was removing it. Sadly, that was the highlight for this wine.

Pnoir 2005 Pinot Noir France



It’s a moderating pleasing wine for about $10. Not bad, but for the money, you can probably find better.

Pinot Evil, Pinot Noir France



It has a cute name, but behind the label is a rather unremarkable wine. No real off notes, but it needs more oomph to get anyone’s attention, like mine. It might not be bad with dinner, but definitely not for drinking on its own.

Avia 2005 Pinot Noir Vardar Valley Macedonia



Avia? How about “Ave Maria” as far as taste is concerned. The Chardonnay was better but only slightly. And Macedonia? Who knew they made wine. And more importantly, did anyone tell them?

Cavit 2006 Pinot Noir Italy



Frankly, not the best Pinot Noir I’ve tasted, but a typical effort for Cavit. Try a Lorval or Tortoise Creek Pinot from 2005. They are both better, IMHO.

Lorval 2005 Pinot Noir France



It’s a very nice Pinot. Good for lunches, maybe some light dinners or just sipping with a little breathing time beforehand.

Tortoise Creek 2005 Pinot Noir France



It’s a nice representative of a Pinot. I ran across this one at a local supermarket. And on sale, too. Good with a nice light dinner or drinking on it’s own.