Today we look at a 2007 pinot noir from the Carneros area of California, which costs $25.
Well, what do we have here? A pinot noir as dark red (or is it purple?) as many California merlots, with an aroma that gives off some smoke and then whispers to your nose, “get ready for some serious pinot.” Must taste wonderful, right?
Actually, right! Although I often prefer Oregon pinots, Bouchaine stole my heart right away. It is:
- Juicy.
- Yet, not sweet.
- Serious.
- Yet, easy to drink.
- Silky.
- And finally,
- It is very, very, pinot. There’s no mistaking it for anything else. It’s dry and mildly spicy. Its taste has real depth and includes cranberries and oak.
It’s very coherent (if that makes any sense) and doesn’t do anything wrong. Meaning, its flavors come together peacfully, with no random notes sticking out here or there to jar your senses. This is the kind of behavior that I’m willing to pay $40 and more for, from Oregon. True, an Oregon pinot might be more complex — but then again, an Oregon pinot might taste like a barnyard and beg to be jammed down my kitchen drain.
So at $25, I think Bouchaine pinot noir is a bargain, maybe even a SCREAMING bargain. But what if you can only find the 2006? I liked it too, although the ’07 was maybe a little spicier and a little more complex. Given the choice: ’07.
Your picky-as-all-hell Wineguider loved this medium bodied wonder, and so it is:
Recommended!
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