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18
Jan
You won't see me write about a Pinot Noir too often. It typically is not my favorite style of wine. I find that to get a good one, you usually need to pay a lot of money. However, this doesn't stop me from trying new Pinot Noir's just to make sure. I am glad I still do because every once in a while, you find a diamond in the rough.
Last week I tried one of the new Pinot's that we got in which was highly rated from big Jim. I was not expecting much since it was a "cheap" Pinot Noir, but I was very pleasantly surprised!
The Kings Ridge Pinot Noir 2019 is from the Willamette Valley in Oregon (Willamette rhymes with damnit). Willamette Valley is known as one of the top regions for Pinot Noir. The wines typically are similar in style to that of Burgundy France, the most prestigious region for Pinot Noir. However, because of the reputation, the wine of the Willamette Valley tends to be slightly more expensive, similar to that of Burgundy. The Kings Ridge was a wonderful surprise, coming in at under $20! I tend to find "cheap" Pinot Noir to be watery, light and tart, but that definitely was not the case with this Pinot.
The nose had wonderfully soft earth notes with bright cherry cola. The palate was elegant and well balanced with more cherry notes and wonderfully rustic earth notes. I even got a nice touch of mocha. The finish left a little to be desired, but too be expected from such a great value wine. It finished much better with food rather than on its own. Overall, this was an amazing value Pinot Noir. It reminded me of a Burgundian Pinot Noir. It was wonderfully balanced between the bright red fruits and the earthy rustic notes, and it paired perfectly with food.
"Pretty aromas of raspberries, cherries, dried flowers and earth. It's light-to medium-bodied with creamy tannins and fresh acidity. Round and silky with lively character. Crunchy and delicious." - James Suckling 91-Points.
This wine is the perfect example of why I try and never write of a region or style of wine just because I have had one or two that I did not like. Just because I have had some Pinot Noir's under $20 that I have not enjoyed as much, does not mean I will dislike them all. This was a wonderful surprise, not just for the amazing price, but for the amazing quality! I highly recommend giving it a try, it is well worth the price.
-Patrick Mulrooney
