At WineHeist we love Pinot Noir, and we taste a fair amount of it, but unfortunately it seems like we haven’t been able to offer too many of them, for the simple reason that finding Pinot that represents a good value can be so difficult. Pinot is a fickle grape, and when it is over-cropped or grown in areas that are too warm, it tends to lose everything that makes it distinctive. All of this is a roundabout way of saying how excited we were when we tasted the 2007 Estate Pinot Noir from Talley Vineyards. You simply don’t come across Pinot of this quality and character for under $30, and we are thrilled to be able to bring it to you.
The Talley estate vineyards are located in the Arroyo Grande Valley, just North of Santa Barbara, and heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the valley. This ocean influence results in a long, slow growing season, allowing for depth of flavor without over-ripeness or loss of natural acidity. The result is wines that are intense, focused, and—most importantly—balanced.
Ruby red in color, the 2007 Talley Pinot has a nose loaded with strawberry, blueberry, rhubarb, cranberry, and brown sugar. The palate is equally vibrant, with maraschino cherry, raspberry, toasted wood, licorice, and floral notes of rose and lavender. Wonderful acidity provides structure that carries these fresh fruit flavors on to the long, satisfying finish. It would be perfect with grilled chicken and vegetables. This has incredible depth and complexity for this price range, and is extremely versatile. You do not want to miss out on the chance to stock up on a Pinot like this; it has the character of Pinots that routinely sell for over $50.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
