X Winery Pinot Noir

Continuing the theme of not-so-cheap wines this week, AND continuing our exploration of pinot noir tonight we’re revisiting a brand we love, X Winery.  I know, it doesn’t sound too impartial when I introduce them as a brand we love.  But we love them because they seem to be pretty darn consistent at producing tasty wines.

Unfortunately though, they’re making an appearance here during our not-so-cheap week.  Meaning that this wine retails for over $20 a bottle.  So while we love X Winery, we’d love them even more if they could bring the price of this pinot noir down just a touch.  And it is just a touch, as it’s not way, way, way over our typical price limit.  There may even be a chance you’d find this on sale for $20, if you’re really lucky.

Now for all my griping about price, it’s understandable why this isn’t a $10 bargain bottle.  The grapes in this wine come from Truchard Vineyard in the Carneros AVA in Napa Valley.  That’s some premium vineyard land.  And quite frankly, the quality is a step above most of the less expensive pinot noir I’ve tasted.

Vanilla aromas jump from the glass and tickle your nose with this wine.  You’ll also find cherry cola, plum and a slight floral fragrance.  The palate is absolutely smooth, offering an exceptionally nice mouth feel.  Rich plum and cherry flavors on the front of the palate make this wine very approachable and a touch of spice on the finish makes it interesting.  Admittedly, it’s not the most exotic pinot noir, but it’s very tasty.

Wine: X Winery Carneros – Napa Valley Truchard Vineyard Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 145%
Rating: 91
Price:  $26.99

Find X Winery Carneros – Napa Valley Truchard Vineyard Pinot Noir with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.