Jacob's Creek Reserve Pinot Noir - Bona Fide

Pinot Noir from Adelaide Hills, Australia.

SRP of $13 and available for as low as $8. Sample received courtesy Pernod Ricard for review purposes.

From the bottle:

"For this wine we reserve selected parcels of grapes grown in the Adelaide Hills region in South Australia. The cool climate of the Adelaide Hills is ideal for developing delicate, complex flavors, color and natural acidity.

2009 Jacob's Creek Reserve Pinot Noir exhibits elegant regional characteristics of black cherry and strawberry fruit flavors with savory spice and complex herbal background notes. The fruit is balanced with subtle oak and fine tannins leading to a refined, lingering finish.

13.5% Alcohol"

When I think of Pinot Noir, Australia is pretty far down the list, but these days this variety is being grown in more and more places, and surprisingly well in some of them. While Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon dominate Australia's red wine production this is a vast continent with lots of different terrains, which means there is lots of opportunity to grow all kinds of different grapes. Add to that the fact that I loved the last Jacob's Creek Reserve wine I reviewed and I knew I had to give today's wine a try.

The 2009 Jacob's Creek Reserve Pinot Noir begins with aromas of black cherry, spice and a hint of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. The wine tastes of black cherry and strawberry, and is a bit jammy but that is countered by good spice. That spice continues on the long, slightly toasty finish and has lingering cinnamon and vanilla notes. Just a really solid, easy to drink wine. Australia may not be your go-to spot for this variety but this is a bona fide Pinot Noir and it costs less than $10!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.