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.

[winoweenie]

You Blazing Romantic You IK!!!!WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[Innkeeper]

Picked up an '05 today from a local super with a tag on it so cost $8.99. It was as good or better than any of their previous offerings.

Matched it with Salmon Fillet rubbed with EVOO, seasoned with lemon peel and granulated onion, and cooked over charcoal with mesquite chips. It was accompaied by a local potato that we had not had before (very good) and salad. All very, very nice.

[Innkeeper]

Second half of the bottle tonight with some sauteed chicken sausages. It did not hold up very well for two days in the fridge, even though the 375 ml bottle was filled to the brim.

[Innkeeper]

Same meal last night as we had in September except cooked it in the grillpan. Also Mother helped with the wine, so we killed it. Still think it is one of best under $10.

[Drew]

Had the '05 last night with some Ahi tuna. Very nice value pinot showing nice red berry, cola and a pronounced green tea note which I particularly enjoyed. Moderate complexity, simple but nice fruit and good balance. Nice wine. Very good pinot QPR.$8 [img]http://wines.com/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

Drew