Pinot Noir - Angeline vs. La Crema

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La Crema is my wife's favorite bottle. A california Pinot Noir, a bottle of which will run you ~$20 at my local shop.

Was recently at Hennepin Lake Liquors in Minneapolis. A wine importer named Paul was on hand and helped me pick out a case of mixed bottles.

He asked if I like Pinot. I mentioned my wife loved La Crema. He replied "La Crema is good, but I don't import it". Since he was helping me, I told him to identify a bottle of his that I could buy. He pointed me towards Angeline, also a California Pinot Noir at $10/bottle.

I love doing blind tests, so I invited over some couples and set it up. 6 tasters, sipping La Crema/Angeline over appetizers including Brie, Candied Pecans, veggie tray (which a flavored sour cream) and some pita chips and hummus.

First ballot had a 3/3 split based on a first taste. Second ballot an hour later and yielded a 5/1 advantage to La Crema. However...all agreed that they preferred Angeline at $10 than La Crema at $20.