Tasting - Decoy Pinot Noir

Name: Decoy Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma County, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $33.00

Winery Review: Lovely aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry, as well as subtle notes of sandalwood and spice. On the palate, it is elegantly structured with abundant red fruit, excellent mid-palate weight and a lingering finish with a hint of fresh earth.

My Review: This wine had a oaky and peppery aroma with very little fruit. After tasting, there were more flavors of berry fruits than expected and had a light tannic finish that was not overpowering.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Picket Fence Pinot Noir

Name: Picket Fence Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Russian River Valley, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price:$17.95

Winery Review: Aromas of brandy-macerated red cherries, bay laurel, duck fat, forest floor, toasty baking spices and warm vanilla. The chewy red and black fruits come through in the mouth with layers of fine tannins and just a whisper of smoldering French oak. A delicious finish ends this wine on a lush note of creme brulee topped with plum compote.

My Review: This wine had a smoky, woody aroma. There was not much fruit flavor and had flavors of spices instead. The finish was slightly tannic but more acidic than expected.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Patty Green Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir

Name:Patty Green Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Willamette Valley
Country: Oregon
Year: 2012
Price: $37.95

Winery Review: One of the best value Oregon Pinot Noirs for 15 years, fresh and mouthwatering with sweet black berry/cherry fruit flavors and Patty's trademark full-bodied style. There's a bit of very appealing field herbs and earth in the mix and a smooth silky finish. It's ready to drink but is so well balanced I'd treat it like a higher priced wine and cellar it for 5-15 years. By all accounts one of the top 3 vintages in Oregon's production history.

My Review: This wine had a very woody and spice based aroma. On tasting, it was vegetal with little fruit flavors. It also had a tannic finish that was slightly bitter.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Name: Canyon Road Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price:$6.95

Winery Review: Rich, fruit foward cherry flavors, soft tannins, a medium body and a smooth velvety finish. Pairs well with creamy soups, salmon and savory pork dishes.

My Review: This wine had a very strong cherry aroma with almost no oak smell which was interesting for a red. After drinking, the wine was extremely smooth with almost no tannins or acids. The flavor was all in the mid palate with slight flavors of cherry and plum but overall a very light wine.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Champteloup Pinot Noir

Name: Champteloup Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Loire
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: In the heart of France's Loire Valley lies Touraine wine region. Although it produces vast amounts of well-priced, fresh, mostly white wines, lovely reds like this are broadening Touraine's appeal. This wine may seem familiar to you. It is a sibling of the Touraine Sauvignon Blanc we've offered for years. Serge de Bucy employs a light touch in his winemaking, using no wood and doing as little as possible to preserve freshness. Bright cherry and strawberry fruits are followed by a soft, smooth palate.

My Review: Despite using no wood, the first smell I got from this wine was one of oak and barbecue. While I normally don't like red wines because of the tannic component and the woody taste of some, this Pinot Noir was not bad. There were hints of oak in the flavor, but had nice fruit flavors and the finish was not as tannic as other reds which I enjoyed.

I did not have this wine with food.