OK, I will admit that I almost purchased another Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre to try.   But since I just tried one last week, I picked up a Pinot from the Central Otago region in New Zealand.   The wine is light in color, and it smells like raspberries with a bit of smoke and spice.   I didn’t get any heat on the midpalate so I had to check the alcohol content – only 12.9%!   The finish is smooth, juicy and easygoing.   In fact, easygoing is a great way to describe this wine.   It is not very complex, but it also is not boring.

I do like my Pinot with a bit more complexity, but for $15.99 this is an excellent Pinot.   I can definitely say that I haven’t had a another Pinot that I’ve enjoyed as much at the same price point (though the Meomi Belle Glos for $5 more definitely has an edge).   And on the bottle there’s a delicious pairing suggestion – wild mushroom risotto with garlic and fresh thyme.   That sounds amazing!    Currently enjoying this bottle with a wedge of a truffled Italian goat cheese – but may have to try the risotto pairing.

$15.99/bottle

Triple

I am really enjoying Rhone varietals lately, especially the Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre blends.   I’ve tried a few good ones from South Africa, Australia and (of course) California.  This one has a nose of cherries, black pepper, a little smoke, and some stinky dirt.    The midpalate has really tart fruit – lots of sour cherry and the tartness continues on the finish.  I wish the finish would have been more complex.   I definitely like more roundness and ripeness in my wines.   I didn’t feel that this wine lived up to it’s nose, but the acidity was good.   

$12/bottle

Single