Whom You Know: Champagne Wishes: CELLAR NO. 8 2009 California Pinot Noir Recommended by Whom You Know

Friday, August 19, 2011

Champagne Wishes: CELLAR NO. 8 2009 California Pinot Noir Recommended by Whom You Know

Summer is usually time to love and enjoy all your fabulous white wines. Truth be told, I was starting to miss a good glass of red. I found Cellar No. 8 and I am LOVING it! Their 2009 Pinot Noir is a definite must try for this summer. It is smooth and delicate. Ok, I already know what you are thinking -- those are not words you think of when you talk about California red's, but I am serious. This is what adds to it's complexity! It's earthy flavor, rich in berries and spice really is delicate enough to enjoy in the summer. Open this bottle and let it breath for a little. I found it really opened up after about 30 minutes. It was quite delightful. The tannins are in check as is its acidity. You will enjoy the deep color as well -- let's you know this will be a good wine as summer turns into fall. I paired it with some fabulous pork tenderloin sliders after a full day of swimming and it was perfection!

Cellar No. 8's Pinot Noir 2009 hails from California. Although the 2009 growing season started out dry, the spring rains came to the rescue and the vineyards benefited greatly! With the warm summer days and cool summer evenings, the grapes were able to ripen beautifully. This 2009 Pinot Noir is really lovely. A deep rose color, this Pinot Noir greets you with the sweet aromas of cherry and berries. At first sip it is sweet with the taste of strawberries. After the initial sweetness, however, a slight spiciness sneaks in with a hint of nutmeg. This wine is a great value, priced at around $10, you can't beat it. It is lush, but simple. This Pinot Noir can be the perfect addition to any dish or it can be enjoyed on its own. I chose to enjoy my first class of Cellar No. 8's Pinot Noir 2009 after a long, tiresome day. It was the perfect ending to my long day and perfect beginning to my night of relaxation!

I always have trouble deciding which red wine to pick off the store shelf. Now, Cellar No. 8 has made that decision a lot easier! Their 2009 Pinot Noir from the Asti Winery in California is one of my new top picks. The winery, which has been in operation since 1881, obviously has perfected their wine making process, and it shows in this Pinot Noir. This wine has a beautiful rose color that looks fantastic from the moment you pour it into your glass. The aroma is filled with the smell of strawberries and cherries. As for the taste, it is full of the flavor of red berries and spices. I enjoyed drinking this wine all on its own. It made for a perfectly relaxing night! However, this wine would pair well with any pasta with cream sauce. If you're looking for a great Pinot Noir, give Cellar No. 8 a try. I'm sure you will enjoy it!

I always tend to think of summer as strictly white-wine time. Finally, though, I've found an easy-drinking red that can hold its own against any summer white. Cellar No. 8's 2009 Pinot Noir has absolutely won me over. It was love at first sniff for me. I took a whiff and was won over immediately by the ripe berries and cherries on the nose. The palate is full of more of the same, plus a hint of spice. There is a slightly jammy flavor that keeps the wine light and sweet, and the structured tannins add a great balance. The finish is long and silky, and leaves you wanting more. It's definitely a fantastic choice for a gathering of friends, due to its drinkabililty; however, I wouldn't blame anyone for wanting to hoard it for themselves! I tried the wine solo, but can easily imagine it pairing well with just about anything, particularly lighter summer fare. On its own or paired with food, this wine is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Highly recommended - and added to my list of favorite summer wines!

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HISTORY

In 1881 Andrea Sbarboro founded the Asti Winery in northern Sonoma County. Applying time-honored methods and expertise from the old country, Sbarboro and a group of Italian immigrants formed an entire community around which winemaking was its soul. Today, Cellar No. 8 wines honor and reflect the tradition of winemaking at Asti in a series of rich, complex wines from carefully chosen vineyard sites in California.

VINTAGE

The 2009 growing season started out dry, but healthy spring rains allowed the vineyards to flourish. Summer brought warm days and cool evenings, perfect for consistent ripening while maintaining acidity in the grapes. This long vintage allowed the fruit to ripen fully with concentrated varietal fruit flavors.

TASTING NOTES

Deep rose in color, this stylish Pinot Noir begins with ripe cherry and red berry aromas. Lush and complex on the palate, with juicy strawberry jam flavors and a dash of nutmeg spice, balanced by silky tannins.

Appellation: California

Harvest: August 27 – October 30, 2009

Alcohol: 13.7%

Acidity: 4.98 g/L

pH: 2.43

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