Spinnaker, Pinot Noir, 2007
I picked up this gem of a wine at a gem of a store, Ross Island Grocery:
If you've never been you're missing something unique; Ross Island Grocery is a great little destination for those trapped between Barbur and I-5 in Lair Hill (that's just south of downtown Portland). There, you can pick up food for your cat. You can get a great sandwich -- made by a person with tattoos, purple hair, and a warm smile. And you can get wine -- by the glass for hanging out, or by the bottle to go. It was here that I found this phenomenal wine.
This wine was a light, feminine cherry that danced on your tongue. It was also very smooth, especially considering the price. Denise described it as "flirty". Then she said something surprising: "it's like a low grade Beaux Freres". Wow! Now that may sound like a put-down, but she meant the opposite. Beaux Freres is Denise's favorite. And it costs like 5 times as much, at least. So this was a pretty serious compliment.
The nose was a light dustiness. Later is had a very light floral element. Some sort of green flower; not pungent. Something like lettuce. And a touch of oak. The taste was mainly cherry and cranberry.
Denise said later, that this was a perfect "red wine for Easter bunch". I don't know what that means exactly, but we both really enjoyed this one.
Cost:
Rating:
8.5