Belle Glos
Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir
Santa Lucia Highlands, Central Coast, California, USA
Were this wine a dancer, she'd have been working a couple of sets a night at the Condor Room opposite Carol Doda in North Beach. Beautifully crafted but basically undrinkable unless chilled down about 10• below cellar temp . Its got low acidity balanced with lotsa fruit and noticeable alcohol, and the components just aren't playing nicely together. It even overwhelms tonights BLT made with Acme bread and Benton's bacon. The label says that the yields were 1.76 tons per acre; this might be one of those situations where higher crop levels might have resulted in a less extracted, better balanced wine. Plenty of sensory stimulation but there's just not much pleasure. Actually, there's no pleasure. Well crafted, but It's just not a style of wine I appreciate anymore.
Were this wine a dancer, she'd have been working a couple of sets a night at the Condor Room opposite Carol Doda in North Beach. Beautifully crafted but basically undrinkable unless chilled down about 10• below cellar temp . Its got low acidity balanced with lotsa fruit and noticeable alcohol, and the components just aren't playing nicely together. It even overwhelms tonights BLT made with Acme bread and Benton's bacon. The label says that the yields were 1.76 tons per acre; this might be one of those situations where higher crop levels might have resulted in a less extracted, better balanced wine. Plenty of sensory stimulation but there's just not much pleasure. Actually, there's no pleasure. Well crafted, but It's just not a style of wine I appreciate anymore.
Nov 19th, 2013
2010. Pretty much the opposite of a Burgundian Pinot Noir. Pulled out to have while the coq au vin that was marinating the last few days was cooking. Big sweet black cherry flavors, but not out of balance and was enjoyable to drink. I’ve never been a fan of waxed bottlenecks, but the “zipper” around the top made easy access to the cork which was soft, pliable and came out intact. Paired well with the stew.
2010. Pretty much the opposite of a Burgundian Pinot Noir. Pulled out to have while the coq au vin that was marinating the last few days was cooking. Big sweet black cherry flavors, but not out of balance and was enjoyable to drink. I’ve never been a fan of waxed bottlenecks, but the “zipper” around the top made easy access to the cork which was soft, pliable and came out intact. Paired well with the stew.
Jun 15th, 2023
Heavy dark red fruit. More Cab than Pinot
Heavy dark red fruit. More Cab than Pinot
Mar 1st, 2021
The usual crowd pleaser. Big and almost jammy Pinot!
The usual crowd pleaser. Big and almost jammy Pinot!
Feb 13th, 2015
Too fruity and tastes sweeter than what a Pinot should b
Too fruity and tastes sweeter than what a Pinot should b
Nov 27th, 2014I really prefer the Clark & Telephone. This is tasty but less refined
I really prefer the Clark & Telephone. This is tasty but less refined
Nov 24th, 2014
Enormous for a Pinot, and well remove from its Bourgogne brethren. Drinks nearly like a Syrah. Tons of dark fruit, a bit strawberry. Low acid, not very tannic. Absolutely delicious, but be expecting jam and not delicacy.
Enormous for a Pinot, and well remove from its Bourgogne brethren. Drinks nearly like a Syrah. Tons of dark fruit, a bit strawberry. Low acid, not very tannic. Absolutely delicious, but be expecting jam and not delicacy.
Oct 4th, 2014
Little on the sweet side with Thanksgiving turkey.
Little on the sweet side with Thanksgiving turkey.
Nov 30th, 2013