Very dark violet and inky in the glass. Vanilla and jammy, dark fruit on the nose. Jammy, with no real defined notes on the palate. Short, alcoholic finish. A big dark purple mess.
In short, the wine in this bottle in no way resembled any other wine made from Pinot Noir grapes that I have ever tasted. It seemed engineered and artificial and represents every reason why I avoid "wines" produced in this region (California). After all, in most wine-producing regions, the use of the term "reserve" is regulated by law. But not in CA. In many wine-producing regions, chaptalization, addition of grape-juice concentrates, and other questionable methods are regulated or banned. Not in CA (and certainly not at UC Davis).
Until the honest winemakers in CA join together and petition for the regulation of wine-making practices, I will avoid the region altogether.
I've had plenty of $8-$12 bottles that seemed artificial, but this one from BV was, to me, a grand $39 rip-off.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Professional reviews have copyrights and you can view them here for your personal use only as private content. To view pro reviews you must either subscribe to a pre-integrated publication or manually enter reviews below. Learn more.
4/22/2015 - texanoblues Does not like this wine: 68 Points
Very dark violet and inky in the glass. Vanilla and jammy, dark fruit on the nose. Jammy, with no real defined notes on the palate. Short, alcoholic finish. A big dark purple mess.
In short, the wine in this bottle in no way resembled any other wine made from Pinot Noir grapes that I have ever tasted. It seemed engineered and artificial and represents every reason why I avoid "wines" produced in this region (California). After all, in most wine-producing regions, the use of the term "reserve" is regulated by law. But not in CA. In many wine-producing regions, chaptalization, addition of grape-juice concentrates, and other questionable methods are regulated or banned. Not in CA (and certainly not at UC Davis).
Until the honest winemakers in CA join together and petition for the regulation of wine-making practices, I will avoid the region altogether.
I've had plenty of $8-$12 bottles that seemed artificial, but this one from BV was, to me, a grand $39 rip-off.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/7/2013 - redbrix wrote: 86 Points
Medium purple and clear color. Aroma of pepperand cassis. Light and crisp berry. Slightyl tight.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/1/2011 - Peter212 wrote: 83 Points
very light zero complexity
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/28/2011 - Stretch47 wrote: 88 Points
Nice 'n smooth
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/19/2011 - ilcor wrote: 91 Points
Quality Pinot here, nice backbone, really opened up after an hour.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment