Four good things happened last night. First, I found the cord (not chord, smarty pants; the second pertains to my guitar) for my photo lights. That, along with longer days, makes my life easier. Second, Carey located a groovy leather headband, which may or may not have been one of Sacajawea’s actual personal items. Third, we saw 2 Intervention episodes turn out okay; and lastly, the wine we were sipping, while watching a young lady blow through $40 of aerosol cans, was delicious.
Wild Horse Winery has been producing Pinot Noir in the Central Valley for a long time. The winery was founded in 1981 and CellarTracker shows their first Pinot Noir being released 4 years later—since then, only 4 vintages were passed over for release, with an unbroken string of vintages since 1994.
[We clipped Eli's nails soon after this event. There was some chest puffing, tail whipping, nipping teeth, and swelling caterwauls, but 18 nails were topped.]
From my tasting notebook:
Deep rosy color, beautiful to swirl—ignore the falsely inky contrast in the pictures. Cherry blossom floral aromas, strawberry and cranberry fruit, sweet maple butter. Solid heart and soul Pinot Noir qualities.
A touch of spiky alcohol shows initially on the finish, but the palate falls into balance quickly. Superficially plump and satisfying with more complex layers of sea air, brine and lingering mineral components. Not overly extracted, under 14% abv, if only just. Delicate brushes of cinnamon and, more noticeably, root beer or cream soda. No real tannic stand. Lengthy and endlessly smooth.
Wild Horse Pinot Noir really earns its stripes in availability. I spent some time today picturing it on various wine lists in my favorite restaurants or on the retailers’ shelves that I most frequent. This is an easy wine to find. Try it, you will not be disappointed—it’s some solid stuff that deserves some bragging on.
Enjoy!
-Rob.
Agreed Rob. This is a terrific Pinot Noir. Have you tried their “Unbridled” Pinot Noir?
I would love to know how many Americans were drinking wine in the 1970′s vs. how many regularly drink wine today? And also, how many Americans drink wine while playing with their cats?
Hmm. I will have to consult my vast library of wine books to answer the cat question, but the data will not elude me I can guarantee you that! -Rob