Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carneros Garnet 2009

From Carneros, a region shrouded in a cloak of cool fog, comes an affordable Pinot Noir that would make even the French envious. It offers a lot of bang for the buck. Bright, lively cherry and strawberry flavors are infused into this velvety and extracted Burgundian-like Pinot Noir that finishes silky-smooth. It's as cool as the other side of the pillow.

Medium red. Strawberry and raspberry aromas accented by cedary spices. Supple and a bit diffuse on the palate, with muted flavors of strawberry and underbrush, plus a hint of dill. Finishes with light, slightly edgy tannins.

Displays concentrated raspberry and black cherry fruit with lots of depth and concentration. A plump middle and soft tannins make this a delicious and approachable Carneros Pinot Noir.

I have always enjoyed Saintsbury's lighter-styled, fruity Pinot Noir Garnet. No one does it as well as this estate, and the 2002 Pinot Noir Garnet is a great example of a reasonably priced Pinot that shows off this grape's varietal character. Made in a fruit-forward, delicious, accessible style, this medium to deep ruby-colored 2002 offers an attractive nose of raspberries, cherries, dried herbs, and cola. Drink this plush offering over the next 1-2 years.

Pretty color and a delicate, candied nose. Beautiful gemstone color - darker than a typical Pinot Noir. Lovely balance with the alcohol seamlessly integrated. This will be my top choice for a versatile wine with Thanksgiving fare.

Lots of ripe, rich, jammy blackberry and black cherry fruit that is supple and well-centered, offering depth and concentration, with surprisingly firm tannins (for Garnet). A winner. Drink now through 2005.

Medium cherry-red. Vibrant aromas of crushed cherry and raspberry. Fruity, supple and juicy, with a restrained sweetness to the red fruit and spice flavors. Rich for this bottling, and very easy to drink. Finishes fresh, with a dusting of tannins and good length.