Harlow Ridge Lodi Pinot Noir – A Well-Balanced Bargain

As I’ve commented recently, I try to make sure I post reviews of both unique (although perhaps harder to find) gems and more widely distributed, easy to find wines.  This one comes from Bronco Wine Company, a producer I’ve written about a number of times.  They produce over 100 brands of wine, including many of the more popular cheap wine brands like Red Truck, Charles Shaw and Forest Glen to name a few.

To be honest, I didn’t expect much from this wine — a $10 bulk-produced pinot noir from Lodi.  Many folks consider cheap, good pinot noir to be a unicorn (i.e. they don’t exist).  And to extent that’s true, it is hard to find an “exceptional” cheap pinot noir, but you can find some decent ones.  And with this one I was pleasantly surprised.  That’s one reason I write these reviews.  With so many wines on the shelves, it’s hard to know which bargain is going to be worth the ten bucks.  I think this one is.

The nose is quite aromatic and balanced, offering strawberry, plum, raspberry, vanilla and cedar fragrances.  The palate is light and approachable with tasty strawberry, black cherry and plum flavors that are harmonious.  It does good with the acidity and tannins too, which are just right.  There’s nothing extraordinary or magical about this wine, but it’s good and easy to drink.  And the value can’t be beat.

Wine: Harlow Ridge Lodi Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot noir
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 86
Price: $10.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.

Find Harlow Ridge Lodi Pinot Noir with Snooth