Pinot Noir is one of the trickiest grapes for winemakers, making it both frustrating and rewarding for consumers to find a great value. We found this great example in Vintages. Esser Pinot Noir is the perfect wine for the last few weeks of summer as it works well on warm days (hint: chill for 10 to 20 minutes before serving) and also on cooler nights. The smooth, flavourful 2014 Esser Pinot Noir is the perfect balance of California flavours with Old World finesse.
Tasting Notes: Ruby red with violet notes and medium density. Look for aromas of wild strawberry, ripe raspberry, and Bing cherry with subtle notes of tobacco, spice, and oak. It’s bursting with ripe fruit and is delicate and velvety in the mouth with generous berry flavours, cherry, vanilla, and clove, followed by a smooth and lingering finish.
Enjoy With: Lamb, duck, halibut or salmon.
Style: Dry, medium-bodied, fruity red wine.
Terroir/Region: Esser Pinot Noir comes from the Monterey County of California. Their wines benefit from the daily cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean, creating flavourful and expressive varietals with complexity, finesse and balance. The selective vineyard sites span from the north of the Salinas Valley Riverview and Viento to the south of San Lucas and Hames Valley, just north of the San Louis Obispo County line.
Producer: Founded by the Esser family, Esser Vineyards is one of the premium producers in the Central Coast of California. Its portfolio contains award winning Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in addition to the highly awarded Pinot Noir. Esser’s wines embody Old World elegance and express terroir as well as exceptional varietal character at affordable prices.
Availability: The 2014 Esser Pinot Noir will be available in LCBO Vintages as of Saturday, August 19, but check stores now as some already have it available.
Price: $24.95
LCBO#: 508440
Size: 750 mL
Alcohol Content: 13.4% alc./vol.
