This rather large-bodied Pinot Noir has a label that says 14% alcohol, but a nose and sensation on the eyes that say 14.9%. It also shows cherries, dried strawberries, and sage. On the palate cherries and raspberries meet plenty of wood effects including vanilla, toast, and cinnamon. It also shows sage, marjoram, and a tiny hit of cayenne pepper. Tannins are big and a little dusty. Acids are a bit low compared to tannins and wood. The finish has some length, but ends up with an overwhelming sensation of new barrels. The glass half-full crowd would call this “a Pinot for people who don’t like Pinot.” The glass half-empty crowd would describe it as “a spoofilated Pinot wearing a Cali-Cab costume for Halloween.” Drink it with fun-sized snickers and candy corn. Not recommended.
WHO: Veramonte
WHAT: Pinot Noir
WHERE: Casablanca Valley, Aconcagua, Chile
WHEN: 2009
HOW MUCH: $19.99 (Media sample)
