Pinot Noir from Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California.
Sample submitted for review. SRP of $28 and available for as low as $17.
From the bottle:
"Reliz Creek runs through the Wente's family estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey. This sustainably grown Pinot Noir has subtle cherry, earth, and vanilla flavors due to the long, cool growing season and gravelly soils of the Arroyo Seco region. Wente Vineyards, family owned and operated since 1883, is now in its fifth generation of producing extraordinary estate grown wines.
14.5% Alcohol"
The holidays are coming, which means you need some wine -- whether you need it for sharing or for surviving all those family get-togethers!
The 2010 Wente Reliz Creek Pinot Noir begins with very pleasant aromas of black cherry, red cherry, strawberry, cola, oak, a little vanilla and touches of cinnamon. Tasting the wine reveals similar flavors to the nose with lots of cola and oak and a little smoke. This medium-bodied wine ends dry and dusty with good length and lingering vanilla and oak notes. If you're going the traditional Pinot Noir pairing this Thanksgiving, this is certainly a solid choice.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.8
