2002 Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir

[hotwine]

Had picked this up some time ago and forgot about it. Needed a pairing for the last of the beef stew, so.....

Nice enough nose, although appearing a bit hot with crushed red cherries and white pepper. Palate follows with more white pepper and less of the cherries, fading quickly in the 13% alcohol (would have suspected more). Unremarkable. Confine it to the dark corner labeled "last gasp, grab if you've just gotta have it". $8.99. There are other bargain pinots available, including Kenwood and Estancia, that are much better QPR.

[Innkeeper]

Had an '05 tonight. Went into a NH Liq Store looking for a nice one in the $10 range, and this one was on sale for $5.88. Went very well with a filet steak in bacon rasher grilled over charcoal with mesquite chips. Roasted baby Yukons and salad complete the picture.

The wine hasn't changed that much. If anything, a little more red cherry upfront. Made for a great meal tonight.