An interesting wine and looking at prior comments, I can see why there are both likers and haters for this. It is the most New World/Cali type of expression from Ed Kurtzman that I’ve ever tried. A bit candied and ripe with higher-than-usual (for a Sandler) oak influence and high abv. There’s also a good splash of acidity to save it from being a completely concocted, mass-produced style disappointment. But over the three hours open, the alcohol did start to take over and burn up the palate. Having said that, the pleasing red-fruited nature will appeal to many. Perhaps those with an affinity for Aussie Shiraz. 5+11+12+7= 85
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Great value as always from Sandler. A bit on the bigger, bolder more extracted side compared to some of the other Pinot offerings from here. Still, very enjoyable and no arguing with the QPR!
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Consumed half one night and half the next knowing it would mellow and come around. Never did. Just too hot. Not enough balance of fruit. My least favorite sandler.
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Med garnet - looks like a California Pinot. If one were reading the label it might be possible to detect some Pinot noir cherry notes over a nose dominated by alcohol and even tobacco notes. Agressive and hot on the palate - even with food the alcohol dominates. The label’s claim of 14.7abv (!) may be low for this wine. Too out of balance to assess tannins or acidity... just heat and bitter finish. It’s a chance to see what happens to Pinot when it’s in a too hot site and picked too ripe. This came with three other Sandler bottles that were delicious, so this is not typical of their wine, except that it is well made and does reflect its “terroir.”
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Not my favorite Sandler. A bit too much oak or stems seemed to lead to a somewhat bitter finish. Aside from that there was a good amount of fruitand acidity to keep things balanced, but the finish detracted from the experience.
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Medium ruby color, slightly cloudy. Ripe red berry fruit on the nose with some baking spice and vanilla oak notes coming through. More of the same on the palate with a candied red fruit profile and a slightly oaky finish. Really silky smooth mouthfeel. Medium to medium+ acid, medium tannin. Tasty wine but a bit simple.
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The color is electric ruby: vibrant and near glowing. Nose of sweet red berry fruit with strawberries leading the way. The palate shows amazing deftness that Sandler Pinots have been known for. Soft undertoned & plushy red berries rule the day. Hard to believe these were just bottled last month. A true testament of the artistry applied by human hand. I am trying real hard to find commonality with any of the prior 50 or so bottles of Sandler Pinot I have sampled but can find none whatsoever. This is a unique addition to the lineup. The fruits hold on boldly for a lomg time and yet, this is not a bold wine. Amazing. So much in this and if you own some I would consider you one lucky pinotphile.
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10/30/2021 - fingers wrote: 85 Points
An interesting wine and looking at prior comments, I can see why there are both likers and haters for this. It is the most New World/Cali type of expression from Ed Kurtzman that I’ve ever tried. A bit candied and ripe with higher-than-usual (for a Sandler) oak influence and high abv. There’s also a good splash of acidity to save it from being a completely concocted, mass-produced style disappointment. But over the three hours open, the alcohol did start to take over and burn up the palate. Having said that, the pleasing red-fruited nature will appeal to many. Perhaps those with an affinity for Aussie Shiraz.
5+11+12+7= 85
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10/8/2021 - bound4er Likes this wine:
100% pure Sandler goodness. Plenty of fruit with deft balance. Won't ever be mistaken for Cru Burgundy but I guess that's the point of Cali Pinot.
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12/12/2020 - PSUSteve wrote: 91 Points
PnP. Yes this is a bigger, bolder Pinot that, even though is lacks complexity, is very enjoyable.
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8/13/2020 - WineGold wrote: 90 Points
Great value as always from Sandler. A bit on the bigger, bolder more extracted side compared to some of the other Pinot offerings from here. Still, very enjoyable and no arguing with the QPR!
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7/29/2020 - Rich S Does not like this wine:
Tasted a sip and really did not enjoy it. Overpowering amount of sweet oak flavor.
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6/17/2020 - The Wine Write Likes this wine:
Really solid value play here. A little strawberry, raspberry, and cola action on the palate. Nice acidity and subtle aromatics. Two thumbs up.
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5/22/2020 - WineCPA wrote: 91 Points
Awesome wine st this price point. Medium bodied. Dark cherry. Drink now.
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4/19/2020 - STM82 Does not like this wine: 86 Points
Consumed half one night and half the next knowing it would mellow and come around. Never did. Just too hot. Not enough balance of fruit. My least favorite sandler.
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4/7/2020 - OnTheVine.blog Does not like this wine: 85 Points
Med garnet - looks like a California Pinot. If one were reading the label it might be possible to detect some Pinot noir cherry notes over a nose dominated by alcohol and even tobacco notes. Agressive and hot on the palate - even with food the alcohol dominates. The label’s claim of 14.7abv (!) may be low for this wine. Too out of balance to assess tannins or acidity... just heat and bitter finish. It’s a chance to see what happens to Pinot when it’s in a too hot site and picked too ripe. This came with three other Sandler bottles that were delicious, so this is not typical of their wine, except that it is well made and does reflect its “terroir.”
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2/19/2020 - STM82 wrote: 89 Points
Not my favorite Sandler. A bit too much oak or stems seemed to lead to a somewhat bitter finish. Aside from that there was a good amount of fruitand acidity to keep things balanced, but the finish detracted from the experience.
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1/31/2020 - Rich S wrote: 87 Points
Medium ruby color, slightly cloudy. Ripe red berry fruit on the nose with some baking spice and vanilla oak notes coming through. More of the same on the palate with a candied red fruit profile and a slightly oaky finish. Really silky smooth mouthfeel. Medium to medium+ acid, medium tannin. Tasty wine but a bit simple.
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1/27/2020 - ptaylor2112 Likes this wine: 93 Points
What King Cab said. This pinot was outstanding!
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3/30/2019 - King Cab wrote: 94 Points
The color is electric ruby: vibrant and near glowing. Nose of sweet red berry fruit with strawberries leading the way. The palate shows amazing deftness that Sandler Pinots have been known for. Soft undertoned & plushy red berries rule the day. Hard to believe these were just bottled last month. A true testament of the artistry applied by human hand. I am trying real hard to find commonality with any of the prior 50 or so bottles of Sandler Pinot I have sampled but can find none whatsoever. This is a unique addition to the lineup. The fruits hold on boldly for a lomg time and yet, this is not a bold wine. Amazing. So much in this and if you own some I would consider you one lucky pinotphile.
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