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Wine Recommendation
La Rochelle Winery
2004 Pinot Noir(Monterey)
Classic Pinot aromas of strawberries, wildflowers and earth welcome you in this pure fruit style, pretty-in-the-glass Pinot Noir. It’s nice to enjoy a Pinot that is not overly extracted or picked so ripe that it falls off the Pinot bus and ends up in the supercharged Syrah SUV, with its price tag heading straight for the century mark. Instead, this hearkens back to when Pinot was, well, Pinot.
This is the entry-level La Rochelle Pinot offering, made from fruit from some of the Mirassou family vineyards in Monterey county. Steven Mirassou and winemaker Tom Stutz are re-inventing the La Rochelle brand to focus on small lots of very meticulously crafted Pinots from the finest vineyards on the west coast. While we patiently await all those vineyard designate gems, we can drink this supple beauty, and enjoy it for what it is: a juicy, lithe and versatile wine with just the right amount of acid, a harmonious balance between bright red fruits, hints of baking spices and pleasant herbal notes. A sparing touch of wood from 40% new French oak adds a kiss of caramel and a delightful finish. All in all, a fine wine and a fine value. And it smells and tastes like Pinot.
(Alc: 13.7, Retail: $20)
Reviewed February 1, 2007 by Laura Ness.
Other reviewed wines from La Rochelle Winery
The Wine
Winery: La Rochelle Winery |
The Reviewer
Laura Ness
A wine writer and wine judge for major publications and competitions around the country, Laura Ness likens wine to the experience of music. She is always looking for that ubiquitous marriage of rhythm, melody, and flawless execution. What is good music? You know it when you get lost in it. What is good wine? It is music in your mouth. |