The Search for Pinot Noir

Filed in archive California Wines on April 24, 2007

Blame it on the movie Sideways or just blame it on winemakers, but for whatever reason, decent Pinot Noir doesn't come cheaply these days. Cheapo wine fanatic that I am, that definitely includes my house, which rarely sees a bottle of this. While $30 bottles of wine tend to be on my only special occasion list, even finding at that price can be a challenge, so this article from SFgate.com comes in handy if you are searching from some Pinot Noir. The author even found a bottle as low as $14:

TWO AND A HALF STARS 2005 Alderbrook Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($24) Wine magnate Tony Terlato took over Alderbrook in 2000, determined to refocus it from white wines into reds because of its Russian River location. This wine is another sign of success, with lifting red fruit at its core, hints of dust, dried herbs and earth on the nose and a tapered, spicy finish. Winery only.

TWO STARS 2005 Angeline Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($14) Angeline is the bargain label for Santa Rosa's Martin Ray Winery, and while its Pinots don't always succeed, the hits are worth remembering. This one's a winner -- on the lighter side, perhaps too light for those who like Pinots with brawn. It's basic but very solid, with bright red berry and a silky grip at the end. Good luck finding other Russian River Pinots at this price.

TWO STARS 2005 belvedere Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($29) Belvedere is part of the Hambrecht Wine Group, founded by Bill Hambrecht, who co-founded the investment bank Hambrecht & Quist. His winemaker at Belvedere, Troy McEnery, was a New York banker before switching to the wine world. This effort banks on a pretty nose highlighted by eucalyptus, though it verges toward cough-syrup mode at moments. Buoyant candied cherry, with a slightly chewy finish. Some heat intrudes at the end.

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