So I thought I’d challenge my belief that California can’t do Pinot Noir – it all ends-up soft and sweet strawberry. Chalone is its own cool climate area, so I figured see what a cooler region could do. It was better than most, and if I suspended opinion and just thought of it as a £12 red, it was nice enough. But still not quite there. Mid-depth ruby, still with some purple glints. Quite intense: liquorice, graphite and blueberry that opens into strawberry and a touch of jamminess. Alcohol starts to become more obvious. Herbal note. Touch of soft, sweet spice, but not intrusive. Medium+ bodied, velvety with medium acidity. Soft flavour and texture, but not so soupy. On the borderline between fruity and savoury styles. Could do with more structure though.
594. Chalone Vineyard, Pinot Noir Monterey County, 2008
594. Chalone Vineyard, Pinot Noir Monterey County, 2008
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