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.
95 Points
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
94 Points
Opens with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
