Haydn’s Review of the 2005 Carneros Pinot Noir from Gloria Ferrer

haydn5 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:17:00 +0000

One of my least favorite places to shop for wine are large grocery stores. It seems that all they stock are the generics, the BV’s, the Sutter Homes and of course, the Beringers. I have nothing against them, but they are all boring wines (don’t get me started with the white Zins).

I figured that they would have a good Syrah lingering on the shelf. However, much to my sadness, the Syrahs ranged from the tip of Napa to the most Southern. I figured there had to be a wine that was not from Napa nor from Australia.

I glanced over to the Pinot Noir section and my eye caught the attention of the Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir. I figured it couldn’t hurt, as it was from Carneros (the small wine region on the southern end of Sonoma County). While I was more in the mood for an old world Pinot, I figured I’d give this one a shot.

I must say that I am impressed. Good deep brick red for the color with the more muted red around the outside. The nose on this wine reminded me of the creaminess of a 50/50 bar with a mixture of cherries and strawberries. The nose was a total fruit forward display.

However, the wine deepened with the taste. It was almost as if you roasted the strawberries, no wait, smoked strawberries leaving a silky aftertaste in your mouth. A few tannins are present, but not enough to drive anyone crazy. The creaminess is still present well after you’ve swallowed (or spit) the wine.

Lastly, and probably the most important, the price— $19! It is rare these days to find a pinot under twenty, yet alone to find a yummy pinot that is drinkable under $20. Aside from Pedroncelli’s Pinot, this is one of the top Pinots I’ve had in that price point.

Decant and enjoy!

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Image courtesy of www.gloriaferrer.com

Beyond Napa Valley Blog » Carneros

Haydn’s Review of the 2005 Carneros Pinot Noir from Gloria Ferrer