Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Angeline Merlot ’07 ($13) & Angeline Pinot Noir ’08 ($12)




Sonoma, CA

It’s not often I buy 2 different varietals from the same winery in one shopping trip.  In this case I had tried the Chardonnay from Angeline and was pleased, so my thought was, if even one of these new wines (Merlot or Pinot Noir) was good, I’d be happy.  Well, I was fooled they both were great.

The Merlot started with aromas of cedar and black pepper.  It might have had a bit of an alcohol scent but that definitely wasn’t in the tasting.  Rich in blackberries and plum on the first tastes had this feeling like a well-balanced Merlot.  Not too fruity with mild tannins and subtle oak on the finish made for a great wine at $13.

The Pinot Noir absolutely blew me away for a $12 wine.  It must have been the reason the guy before me was loading his cart up with it.  I guess that’ll be me next time…  Strawberries, a hint of must and subtle spice stood out on the aromas.  The tasting followed with bright berries and a velvety, smooth finish.  The fruit on this wine is so nice!  Very well balanced with a nice, easy drinking feel on the palette.

Angeline has 3 thumbs up for me now with their Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir.  They must be doing something right.  I look forward to hearing from any of you trying these wines in the future.

 
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