March 17, 2008

Castle Rock Monterey Pinot Noir 2006

VARIETAL: Pinot Noir
REGION: Central Coast, California
PRICE: $13
It is no easy task to make good, cheap pinot noir. It can be watery or too acidic, or just plain dull. The folks at Castle Rock rise above the skepticism and the mediocre juice with this fantastic little number from Monterey. The climate along the central coast of California provides a longer growing season for the grapes which means they stay on the vine a little longer, resulting in a more intense and concentrated wine. So what you get is a nose full of black cherry, dried flowers and spiced tea which is followed by ripe plum and spice on the palate. The Castle Rock is medium bodied and super smooth and quite frankly it is a whole lot of wine for not lot of money. You just have to try it. And what to serve it with you ask? Well, just about anything. Roast chicken, Salmon, pasta, lamb. . . it is so flexible you can serve it with just about anything and it will shine.

Check it out: Castle Rock Monterey Pinot Noir

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Comments

I've had this one as well and quite enjoyed. What was surprising to me was how much I preferred this one over the Oregon Wilamette Valley bottling. Have you tried that one? They have both at TJ's here in SF.

Posted by: Jason at March 19, 2008 1:32 AM

Our TJ's has neither but I have tried the Willamette Valley and quite enjoyed it. I found it to be a little more Burgundian stylistically, but quite good. If you have a chance, check out a current vintage from another store--sometimes TJ's has such great prices because they buy up lots of vintages that are a bit past their prime. So if your bottle lacked a bit flavor and finish-wise, my guess is it was just a little old.

Posted by: Noël Wallace at March 19, 2008 4:53 PM