WINE & LIFESTYLE REPORT
Au Bon Climat Knox Alexander Pinot Noir 2007, Santa Maria Valley, USA
Tasted November 2011
Appearance - clear and bright, pale ruby colour.
Nose - clean, medium plus intensity youthful aromas of ripe cherries, somewhat cooked aromas, some earthy notes and a trace of varnish.
Palate - dry, medium plus refreshing acidity, medium plus tannin level that feels ripe and resolved, medium plus body and alcohol. Pronounced flavours of ripe, sweet cherries, some spicy black pepper and an earthy undertone.
Conclusions (17/20) - Very good quality, beautiful bowl-full of ripe but vibrant red fruits, resolved tannic structure enables a velvety mouth-feel balanced by a lively character with fresh acidity. Ready to drink, and certainly pleasurable to do so, but will keep further, 3/4 years, evolving to a more tertiary aromatic character, giving way to more savoury notes.
Approximate retail price - €37
Appearance - clear and bright, pale ruby colour.
Nose - clean, medium plus intensity youthful aromas of ripe cherries, somewhat cooked aromas, some earthy notes and a trace of varnish.
Palate - dry, medium plus refreshing acidity, medium plus tannin level that feels ripe and resolved, medium plus body and alcohol. Pronounced flavours of ripe, sweet cherries, some spicy black pepper and an earthy undertone.
Conclusions (17/20) - Very good quality, beautiful bowl-full of ripe but vibrant red fruits, resolved tannic structure enables a velvety mouth-feel balanced by a lively character with fresh acidity. Ready to drink, and certainly pleasurable to do so, but will keep further, 3/4 years, evolving to a more tertiary aromatic character, giving way to more savoury notes.
Approximate retail price - €37
