Emerson Vineyards, Avelina, Pinot Noir, 2006
We've been reviewing Emerson wines recently -- a Pinot Gris, a Syrah, and now this Pinot Noir (we've also had their Chardonnay too, but that review is coming). We have to say these are great mid-level wines -- by that I mean they're not overly expensive ($18 for the reds and $15 for the whites), yet really a great value. As far as we can tell, you'll have to order direct as I have yet to see it in any store or wine shop. Anyway ...
The nose on this Pinot was -- according to Denise -- "brick ... some sort of stone". She wasn't sure, exactly, but it was earthy in a rock/brick/stone kind of way. It's "hot rock" she later exclaimed. "Like lava?" I asked. "Exactly' was the reply. Additionally, there was vanilla, and spice -- perhaps a subtle cayenne. It also had that sort of dusty smell.
It sort of smells like an Oregon Pinot, and then you taste it. And then you're transported a few thousand miles as it tastes Burgundian. The body is much lighter than most Oregon Pinots -- more like French. Not just light, but also very smooth. The taste was raspberry, strawberry, red cherry -- and a very subtle vanilla. In-between the swallow and the finish was a hint of something in-between peach and nectarine -- a slight citrus to it (acidic). But this was very subtle (and not in a bad way).
Denise really got into the mineral/earth quality: "it's a spelunker's delight", referring to those that climb in caves and holes in the ground. "It's like wet mineral rock -- like dripping stalactites", she said. And after all that, it hit us, there's a whiff of pumice in there (going back to the 'lava' reference). Later on, someone thought it was blackberry in there.
Denise really likes that Burgundian Pinot, so we're rating this one well.
Cost:
Rating:
8.5