2006 Scheid Pinot Noir

Pinot Noirs are some of the easiest wines to size up simply by judging their color. Unlike other wines that usually don’t budge, say a Petite Sirah or a Cab, the Pinot will range from bright red to a dirty vermillion.

With Scheid’s 2006 Pinot Noir, you’re going to get a bit more a lighter red on the color. I would characterize it as a bright brick color with it being semi-clear on the rim.

The nose embark visuals of  strawberry juice and raspberry popsicles. I envision both being 100% pure fruit juice, too. The nose in some way made me remember eating a popsicle as a kid on a hot sunny day, where the temperature outside is almost too warm and the welcomed relief of a chilling item on your tongue is better than all of the gold in the world. I wouldn’t call the nose luscious, but it’s in the same ball park. The nose was very clean, and my mouth started to salivate.

The rasberries and strawberries continue on the mid-palate and sat comfortably on my tongue. However I kind of wish that this wine would sit a bit more pronounced on my tongue. The flavors are well and balanced yet almost appear to be hiding. There were a light display of tannins, and unless you were looking for them to show up, they’d most likely pass right on by you. Deep in this wine, I could detect a hint of spiciness (we’re talking about a 50 on the scoville scale).  

The finish is smooth with the lingering berries trailing off into the sunset. The finish is concurrent with the nose and overall appearance of this wine—soft and subtle. Very subtle traces of vanilla could be found on the finish before the taste dissipates. 

This wine is a clear definition of a new-world pinot. The fruit forwardness is clearly present on all aspects of this wine. Another strong characteristic of this wine is the lightness on the mouth. While a petite sirah would come over and hijack your tastebuds, this wine just easily saunters by with more of a wave hello. Pinot Noir newbies, this wine is for you.  

You can get this wine:
Directly from Scheid at: scheidvineyards.com/

Recommended Food Pairing:
Roasted Cornish Game Hens - For this wine, you’re looking at white meat with a lean sauce. Too heavy, like gravy and it will wipe this wine out. Looking through foodTV.com (Food Network’s website), I found two dishes that I feel would pair will with this Pinot. The lightness of the hen mixed with an almost neutral dressing and the lightly spiced bird will be softened by this silky wine.