William Cole Pinot Noir

Today we have a double-header from William Cole, with two of their 2010 pinot noir releases.  Both of these come from the Casablanca Valley, a superb cool-climate region in Chile.

2010 William Cole Albamar Pinot Noir

This wine presents some really intiguing herbal aromatics that I would describe as “stalky”.  Think dried grasses and herbs.  That’s the smell.  It also shows some tree bark, rhubarb and raspberry aromas.  On the down side, the alcohol is a bit strong on the nose.  On the palate, this wine brings rich raspberry and cranberry flavors, along with plenty of spice.  I often say that I enjoy the nose of a wine more than the palate, but in this case it’s the palate that I enjoy the most.  The nose is interesting, but the herbal characteristics are almost overbearing.  But still, this is a fun pinot noir.

Wine: William Cole Albamar
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 84
Price: $13.00

2010 William Cole Columbine Special Reserve Pinot Noir

Last year, we reviewed the 2009 vintage of this wine and it was outstanding.  And while the 2010 is still enjoyable, it’s not quite as good as the 2009.  This is one of those occasions when I’m reminded how much difference a vintage can make.

True to form with other Chilean pinot noir we’ve tasted this year, including the William Cole Albamar, the Columbine Special Reserve pinot noir has some very strong herbal notes on the nose.  In this wine, I would describe those aromas as a cross of tomato leaf and sage.  The nose also offers some raspberry and cherry aromas.  In the mouth, this wine is very approachable with a tasty red berry blend of raspberry, cherry and strawberry flavors.  It has a little bit of spice and mineral on the finish.  While I enjoyed this wine, the herbal fragrances are a bit intense and won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

Wine: William Cole Columbine Special Reserve
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 85
Price: $15.00

Disclosure: These wines were received as samples.