At first glance you might think that Jargon Pinot Noir is a small winery just entering the market, but actually Jargon Wines is part of the Trinchero Family Estates—a company that produces several labels of wine, including the ever-present-in-the-supermarket Sutter Home brand.

This wine was recommended to me by a friend as a “flying under the radar” Pinot Noir.  I was a little bit suspicious when I learned who produces it just because Sutter Home isn’t on my favorites list, but it’s actually not that bad… especially for the price.

From a marketing perspective, it seems like they are trying to take a play from the Mark West “Pinot for the People” playbook.  The name Jargon is a dig on all the high-brow lingo used by wine snobs, and they are trying to position this as “just good wine.”  It makes sense at the price.  Most people buying wines at this price point aren’t into the fancy wine lingo.

The label is a little goofy, in my opinion… but hey, maybe it’s working for them.

As I was saying, this is actually a decent Pinot Noir for the price.  It’s not going to change your life, but it’s good.  The nose is a little tight, but has some cherry, strawberry, leather and herbs.  The palate is soft and well balanced.  It has good fruit, with blackberry, cherry and subtle strawberry.  There’s a hint of cocoa too.  The finish is rather short, but it’s an enjoyable wine.

Wine: Jargon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 87
Price: $9.99