Wineguider wine reviews

Today we look at a 2011 Aussie pinot noir that goes for $9.99 at Total Wine.

Such a pretty color!  Regardless of anything else, this wine will look great on your table, with its nearly see-through pure rose color.

But the real surprise is the taste.  Let’s be honest, this is a bargain pinot, which is almost never a good thing.

Well, this is good.  First, it’s not sweet.  We like that.  Second, it’s actually a bit complex.  There’s a fair amount of alcohol to the taste, but there is also some barnyard, some rough in-the-woods spice, and a bit of tart rose petal.  As well as an afterthought of minerality.

So yes, it’s rough around the edges, and maybe even in the middle.  And it’s not a warm, friendly wine.  But at $10, this lean, mean, pinot machine is such a good deal, and so interesting, that it is definitely:

Recommended.