Steelhead Vineyards

Sonoma County Pinot Noir

8.734 ratings
8.65 pro ratings
Sonoma County, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Randy Fuller

The medium purple tint looks nice, but the nose plays rough. A highly perfumed funk dotted by violets and coffee grounds is interesting, if a little off-putting. In a Syrah it might be more welcome. There is a lot of heat right after pouring, with big tannins that might be expected from a much heartier grape. Things settle down in a short time, but it never gets to a level that might be called elegant. Candied blackberry and plum are a surprise on the palate. There is more alcohol than I want with a Pinot, and a less complex palate too. Black tea notes show up eventually to help out, but it's still too grapey and too brawny.

The medium purple tint looks nice, but the nose plays rough. A highly perfumed funk dotted by violets and coffee grounds is interesting, if a little off-putting. In a Syrah it might be more welcome. There is a lot of heat right after pouring, with big tannins that might be expected from a much heartier grape. Things settle down in a short time, but it never gets to a level that might be called elegant. Candied blackberry and plum are a surprise on the palate. There is more alcohol than I want with a Pinot, and a less complex palate too. Black tea notes show up eventually to help out, but it's still too grapey and too brawny.

2 people found it helpfulApr 18th, 2015
V Ottenlips

West Yellowstone, Montana.

West Yellowstone, Montana.

1 person found it helpfulSep 11th, 2015
Sipping Fine Wine

Tried this again. Red fruit, cherries and strawberries with spice. The palate shows red fruits, a touch of oak and wild acidity and noted earthiness brings this wine to a medium finish. Not overly complex, nothing special but reasonable value. Drinks well with lighter meals.

Tried this again. Red fruit, cherries and strawberries with spice. The palate shows red fruits, a touch of oak and wild acidity and noted earthiness brings this wine to a medium finish. Not overly complex, nothing special but reasonable value. Drinks well with lighter meals.

May 29th, 2016
Charles Gibbs

Great value.

Great value.

Aug 7th, 2015
Martin Sahlberg

Quite soft, some red fruit. Nice!

Quite soft, some red fruit. Nice!

Mar 28th, 2015
Michael McGuire

Fruity—crushed cherry, leaves, cotton candy. Drank on home leave, December 2017.

Fruity—crushed cherry, leaves, cotton candy. Drank on home leave, December 2017.

Dec 31st, 2017
D Blanco

I can't complain for the price I paid. Nice wine but it does lack body.

I can't complain for the price I paid. Nice wine but it does lack body.

Apr 23rd, 2016
Andy McGrath

Great Pinot! Lots of fruit but not overly sweet. This would be a good party wine.

Great Pinot! Lots of fruit but not overly sweet. This would be a good party wine.

Dec 18th, 2015
Rebekah Fitts

Light and smooth. Perfect post thanksgiving

Light and smooth. Perfect post thanksgiving

Nov 29th, 2015
Samantha Burns

Some overpowering Brett and a lot of heat. Too much alcohol for a Pinot noir.

Some overpowering Brett and a lot of heat. Too much alcohol for a Pinot noir.

Aug 21st, 2015