Wine Recommendation
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Wine Recommendation

Pinder Winery 2004 Pinot Noir, Fairview Road Ranch (Santa Lucia Highlands)

Pinder Winery

2004 Pinot Noir, Fairview Road Ranch
(Santa Lucia Highlands)



Santa Lucia Highlands boasts some of the highest scoring (but who cares) Pinots on the Planet Spectator these days. And some of them are things of wonder. Many of the Pinots from this region, however, are Pinot Drag Queens. Really, no offense is meant: I love drag queens. But in this sense, I mean they smell more like Syrah than Pinot, and fail to exhibit much, if any varietal character. They tend to be more muscular and deep-voiced than Pinot should be, at least to my taste. This Pinot from Pinder borders on that, but gracefully saves itself with enough acidity and litheness.

Typical of SLH Pinots, the color is rich and raspberry velvet like the ropes of an old-fashioned theatre. The earthy, rich raspberry cocoa nose is offset by a bit of burnt rubber and some heat. This is getting up there in alcohol for a Pinot (14.4%). The palate pleases with nice dark cherry milk chocolate, some loganberries, black mission figs and a bit of black pepper. The hint of kalmata olives on the figgy pudding finish makes this an interesting Pinot. It does have decent acidity, and it might be best put away in a nice cool cellar for a while. It is for sure not a Summer Pinot, but instead a Winter Pinot, when it can be enjoyed with slow-cooked Mediterranean lamb or pork dishes that incorporate dried winter fruits, olives and exotic spices – yum!!

Reviewed June 21, 2006 by Laura Ness.




Other reviewed wines from Pinder Winery

 

The Wine

Winery: Pinder Winery
Vineyard: Fairview Road Ranch
Vintage: 2004
Wine: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands
Grape: Pinot Noir
Price: 750ml $24.00

Review Date: 6/21/2006

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.