Pros: Better than most Pinot Noir in its price range-not expensive
Cons: A bit sweet; many more bottles a dollar or two more I would rather drink
The Bottom Line:
I won't buy it, but won't spit it out. Try yourself- if my attempt at objectional flavor breakdown appeals your taste, you found yourself a $14 bottle of Pinot Noir!
fishifishi's Full Review: Mirassou Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008 ml
About three years ago, I was at a charity event and the red wine that the bar was serving was the 2005 Mirassou Pinot Noir. I ordered a glass, and immediately was sorry-I'll be honest, I don't remember exactly what it was that spawned my dislike, and I am the first person to appreciate the taste of wine before the likeness and representation to its grape, but I remember I did NOT like the wine. I immediately switched my drink for the night.
Fast forward to two months ago, and I was with a fellow wine lover who brought up the name. My nose immediately wrinkled, and I relayed my bad experience. I gave credit to the fact that wines can change from year to year, and the other day with the same friend was given the opportunity to try the wine. Even at a mere $13, I wouldn't have paid to try it again, but luckily that wasn't the case. We opened the 2008 Mirassou Pinot Noir, from California, and I truly did hope for the best. While she poured, I checked out the bottle-dark green, Burgundy shaped, with a sunburst on top of a bright yellow label. This vineyard has actually been in the business for 150 years. It suggests flavors of cherries and plum, and has 13.5% alcohol by volume.
The wine is a medium to dark cranberry color, and a bit cloudy. The nose offered up what seemed to be a bit of earth, spice, and really dark fruit. To be honest, it seemed forebodingof a sour, earthy wine. I took a tentative sip, and found quite the opposite! There was definite cherry, and, to be honest, grape! A bit of cranberry too, and overall sort of reminded me of cran-grape juice, except that there was some fun spice dancing on the back of my tongue. I was impressed at the layers, however few, of flavor I found in the wine. It wasn't a bit sour or acidic. The finish was short but stayed pleasant, and I didn't dump the glass out this time around. The longer it stayed in my glass breathing, the deeper the fruit got, but a hint of that fruity cherry stayed there, no matter what, sweetening up the finish.
The bottle's label suggests pairing with 'salmon, poultry or risotto' but I think that fowl would be the only direction I would take it. Although a good choice for a simple cocktail, it would also serve well at a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Frankly-I won't buy it myself, but I was content with the two glasses I drank. It's not what I would crave when I want Pinot Noir-perhaps it was the cherry tone, but it was a bit too sweet for me. I was pleased with the complexity of it, however, and won't be making a face of disgust when I hear the name again. I can confidently state that this can be an all around pleasing wine to people who are looking to try a few levels up from the mass produced animal brands, and is one of the best $14 and under bottles of Pinot Noir I have had. It's definitely by far preferable to my palate than a popular brand that I won't name but has the initial 'MW'.
For more information regarding this wine and their others, visit http://www.mirassou.com
Recommended:
Yes
Winery Name: Mirassou Varietal: Pinot Noir Country: USA State or Region: California Price: 13
Wine Rating Scale: A solid performer
Displaying intense fruit flavors of strawberries, pomegranates, and cherries, balanced with delicate floral notes, Mirassou California Pinot Noir is a...More at Liquor Outlet Wine Cellars
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