Really strong in alcohol after ageing for several years. It is big on reduced fruit and strong in flavor. Definitely a napa cabernet drinkers pinot. Not recommended for those who enjoy a more natural and acidic pinot such as those from burgundy, oregon, or sonoma.
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As a wine, this was tasty and enjoyable to sip on but bears no resemblance to pinot noir. Dark purple color. Very ripe raspberry and blackberry aromas, hints of tar and rubber, some vanilla. Similar flavors on the palate with lots of ripe, jammy black and red berry fruit, toasted oak. Medium acid, medium- tannin, medium+ alcohol and body. Drinks more like a syrah/pinot blend.
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Hour decant. A bit tight and dark to start with the fruit taking a back seat to tobacco and slightly bitter coffee notes, though the fruit eventually comes to the fore front - tart cranberry, cherries and raspberries. The fruit is concentrated across the palate with jammy raspberries to start, finishing with cedar and a slightly vegetative quality that reminded me a of green pepper notes typical to Napa Cabs. The edges are smooth and the alcohol is nicely integrated but it does drink a little on the heavy side.
We drink a lot of OR Pinots so this was a nice change of pace, but it seems like AO approached this more like they would one of their Bordeaux style wines, and while it's a nice wine overall I think there's a risk that it may overpower food when you're reaching for a typical Pinot.... If you know that going in, there's nothing not to like - we really enjoyed it.
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3/2/2017 - Mostro750 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking beautifully now, definitely oak notes. I'd say more zinfandel/pinot than syrah/pinot.
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2/20/2017 - avarsamis wrote: 88 Points
Really strong in alcohol after ageing for several years. It is big on reduced fruit and strong in flavor. Definitely a napa cabernet drinkers pinot. Not recommended for those who enjoy a more natural and acidic pinot such as those from burgundy, oregon, or sonoma.
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11/3/2016 - 9500mesa Likes this wine: 92 Points
rich full flavored Pinot, enjoyable from nose to finish, I am not a fan of light, barely there flavor Pinots
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4/16/2016 - Rich S wrote: 88 Points
As a wine, this was tasty and enjoyable to sip on but bears no resemblance to pinot noir. Dark purple color. Very ripe raspberry and blackberry aromas, hints of tar and rubber, some vanilla. Similar flavors on the palate with lots of ripe, jammy black and red berry fruit, toasted oak. Medium acid, medium- tannin, medium+ alcohol and body. Drinks more like a syrah/pinot blend.
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12/23/2015 - Srowland wrote:
Smooth and out standing.
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5/24/2015 - TheRhoneranger Likes this wine: 91 Points
Glad I waited a few years to pop this one. Great mix of dark fruit and cranberry. Wonderful as it opens up!
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6/20/2014 - Flappas Cellars Likes this wine: 92 Points
served with broiled salmon and asparagus "orzotto" very good and big, thick flavor for a Pinot
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11/18/2013 - Ewhite30 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Hour decant. A bit tight and dark to start with the fruit taking a back seat to tobacco and slightly bitter coffee notes, though the fruit eventually comes to the fore front - tart cranberry, cherries and raspberries. The fruit is concentrated across the palate with jammy raspberries to start, finishing with cedar and a slightly vegetative quality that reminded me a of green pepper notes typical to Napa Cabs. The edges are smooth and the alcohol is nicely integrated but it does drink a little on the heavy side.
We drink a lot of OR Pinots so this was a nice change of pace, but it seems like AO approached this more like they would one of their Bordeaux style wines, and while it's a nice wine overall I think there's a risk that it may overpower food when you're reaching for a typical Pinot.... If you know that going in, there's nothing not to like - we really enjoyed it.
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10/14/2013 - expensivehobby wrote:
Fruity and oaky, but extracted to the point that I could have mistaken this for a Syrah.
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10/3/2013 - dontime wrote:
Average at best. Not feeling the value from the AO wine club. A lot of $40 wines priced at $80. If scoring 86-88.
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6/30/2013 - Bradschieber wrote: 92 Points
Interesting take on Pinot, the classic Pinot is there, but takes a while to come out below the tobacco. Really enjoyed it.
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5/23/2013 - The Wine Sherpa wrote: 89 Points
Not bad, but really one of AO's weaker efforts. Just did ot get that classic Pinot taste. Coffee on the nose. Decent fruit.
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8/29/2012 - Rgosser Does not like this wine: 80 Points
Very Fruity, not complex, did not get better over the course of the meal
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3/2/2012 - Hannahgirl wrote: 92 Points
Excellent representation of a Pinot noir.
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