Inception Pinot Noir 2008
Why Buy: A delicious discovery from a great new micro-producer, and an example of an exceptionally well-made California-style Pinot. I hope to see more from Inception.
Price : $30
Details:
This got a unanimously enthusiastic reception when I served it at a recent dinner. One of my guests smiled when I said I would describe it as "plush and tantalizing, with a rich, lingering finish." "What does that mean?" he asked. So let me be less wine-speaky:
This fills your mouth with a richness of flavor, balanced by just the right amount of acids and tannins that make it feel lighter, so that it avoids being syrupy, while at the same time adding complexity through diversity of textures, or feelings, in your mouth. After you swallow, you still feel and taste that richness for at least a minute or longer, and the whole experience makes your mouth tingle pleasantly and salivate, craving more.
Scents and tastes of dark berries, elevated by fresh Rainier cherry, subtly augmented by pie spice notes and just a touch of black pepper, deepened with a faint hint of sweet earth and black truffles.
Notes: Typical of a California-style, this Pinot Noir is high in alcohol: 14.8%. Atypically, this alcohol is balanced beautifully with its other elements and results in a wine that, while rich, doesn't overwhelm your palate.
TO PURCHASE: Call the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills and ask them to ship - (310) 278-2855.
Occasion and Pairing: I served this with seared salmon over sauted red onions & cabbage with a Pinot Noir gastrique. It was a nearly perfect pairing. A side of ratatouille, and fresh corn-butter softened leek-wild rice pilaf didn't hurt either.
State: California
Region: Santa Barbara County
Food Pairing Recommendations