2008 Villa Mt. Eden Pinot Noir Grand Reserve
Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 2:08 pmBien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria, CA.
(Winery, in Napa, established 1881) 13.5% abv. I first tried this wine around Labor Day at the Pinehurst Wine Festival and ordered a bottle at that time for later pickup. Burgundy to cordovan color with semi-transparency. The nose encompasses dark cherry, cocoa or chocolate and floral elements. The dark cherry and cocoa are echoed on the palate. A big juicy wine which is at the same time somewhat elegant. Paired really nicely with thin-sliced ham that had been smoked over hardwood and then finished in the broiler with a teriyaki-honey sauce. Also paired it with roasted turkey breast on the second evening. Consumed over three evenings, this seemed to drink especially smoothly on the second evening. Might benefit from decanting beforehand if you plan to finish it the first night. For $23 this was a good find.
(Winery, in Napa, established 1881) 13.5% abv. I first tried this wine around Labor Day at the Pinehurst Wine Festival and ordered a bottle at that time for later pickup. Burgundy to cordovan color with semi-transparency. The nose encompasses dark cherry, cocoa or chocolate and floral elements. The dark cherry and cocoa are echoed on the palate. A big juicy wine which is at the same time somewhat elegant. Paired really nicely with thin-sliced ham that had been smoked over hardwood and then finished in the broiler with a teriyaki-honey sauce. Also paired it with roasted turkey breast on the second evening. Consumed over three evenings, this seemed to drink especially smoothly on the second evening. Might benefit from decanting beforehand if you plan to finish it the first night. For $23 this was a good find.