2003 Smoking Loon Pinot Noir

[Innkeeper]

2003 Smoking Loon, California, Pinot Noir ($8.99 Belfast Coop). Alcohol level 13.5%. Smoking Loon, which has not been discussed much here, is from the folks who brought you Pepperwood Grove; the Sebastiani folks, Don I think.

This one, which can be had for a buck or so less, is a very pleasant Pinot for under $10 (for you Sideways folks). Gives you strawberries and raspberries on the nose, and upfront. Slightly richers fruit and simple complexity cross the palate. Very similar to a Cru Beaujolais, but costs less.

Matched extremely well with our oven poached salmon pieces with freshly made Hollandaise Sauce, and salad in blue cheese dressing. Not a special wine, but very nice with this dish, especially with candles and soft music.