One of the great things about Pinot Noir is how downright pretty it can be. While Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be big and muscular, Merlot is often supple and soft, and Syrah is rough and gruff, Pinot Noir is pretty.
Sometimes that’s just what you’re looking for.
This Pinot Noir, sourced from the Santa Rita Hills AVA in California’s Central Coast, and bottled by Brophy Clark Cellars, is an example of a very pretty Pinot.
First, from its looks: the wine is a pastel pink in the glass, not quite a rose (there is more depth to the color than that) but very pretty, very (as luck in timing may have it) “Easter.” The nose is light and bright. There isn’t much here to weigh down the very nice notes of strawberry and pomegranate.
On the palate, the wine is light-bodied and crisp, with a bit of a candied fruit sugariness, but not enough to turn me off. Once again the dominant fruit notes are strawberry and pomegranate.
While I wouldn’t go out and say this is some fantastic wine, it is quite good. Would be perfect for those summertime dinner occasions that are a step up in class or importance from your average summer sipper rose.
Verdict: 84/100