2006 Saintsbury Garnet Carneros Pinot Noir

[dananne]

We picked this up when we had a nice visit to Saintsbury in August. It's still coming together, currently offering a ruby color and young, juicy red cherry and red berry aromas and flavors, with a bit of cola on the finish. A bit of a cranberry note, as well. Nice daily drinking PN, though there's nothing really complex about it. It cost us all of about $12 after winery and industry discounts, and it's well worth every penny. Really, at that price, it's a no-brainer and a steal. Should be widely available, including at many grocery stores, for just a few dollars more, and one could do far worse if they were looking for a reasonably-priced go-to Pinot Noir for Thanksgiving fare later this month. Alc. 13.5%.

In general, we liked most everything we tasted in the Saintsbury lineup, which ranges from uncomplicated blends at reasonable prices, like this Garnet, to amazing and intense single-vineyard offerings that can soar up the price ladder. We'll really enjoy working our way through the case we had shipped over the next few years. We'll probably give the remaining '06 Garnets about 6 months and then begin popping them with regularity.

[dananne]

Had another as a second wine last night, and it seems to be rounding into form a bit. It doesn't come across as youthful as the last bottle -- less like a Gamay, and more like a Pinot Noir. Another 6 months of bottle age should do the trick.