Value Alert: 2009 Alta Maria Pinot Noir

2009 was a tremendous vintage for California Pinot Noir. They impressed early and the bottles I've recently opened continue to satisfy. After running Wine Spectator's ratings and prices through the WWP QPR Calculator (what's that?) the best values I found were from Chasseur, Alta Maria, Laguna Ridge (Lynmar second label) and Sarapo.

Of those, the Chasseur is a reliably fantastic if known commodity. I've never been able to track down the Laguna Ridge. The Sarapo was very good but not quite amazing enough for me to ring the Value Alert bell.

Now that it's cool enough to safely allow fall shipments, I was finally able to try the 2009 Alta Maria Pinot Noir. It wasn't what I expected, but it was outstanding. For whatever reason I was expecting it to be riper and more fruit forward. On the contrary it was somewhat lean and mineral-driven. Terroir hunters take note...

2009 Alta Maria Pinot Noir
13.9% Alcohol
1,660 Cases Produced
$28 Release Price

I was looking very forward to trying this after seeing so many positive accolades. And it mostly satisfied. It's leaner and more stemmy/herbaceous than I suspected it would be based on region. Fresh strawberries and pomegranate seeds on the nose. On the palate it turns more serious and light tannins and a chalky streak provide notable structure and define the wine's character. Quite nice. Gorgeous label and overall package. Super value at around $25.

91/100 WWP: Outstanding

Other Ratings:

92 Wine Advocate
91 Wine Spectator
91 Wine Enthusiast

See reviews on CellarTracker
Search for it on Wine-Searcher.com

For more information visit AltaMaria.com

Further Reading: A full run-down of the best values in 2009 California Pinot Noir

Question of the Day: Have you tried Alta Maria Pinot Noir? If so, what did you think? If not, what are some of your favorite domestic Pinot Noirs south of $25 you can still buy?

I've got a couple more Value Alerts up my sleeve. I'd love it if you SUBSCRIBED to the WWP for updates.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/K3iq8gUChwU/value-alert-2009-alta-maria-pinot-noir.html

wine on line red wines wines red wine clubs buy wine

Sobering: wine shipping map

In the comments of our recent discussion of the rosé drought that was gripping the Hamptons, a commenter said that the easy answer was to have the wine shipped in (via Gulfstream jet, natch). But, seriously, couldn’t they order wine from an out-of-state retailer and have it sent via UPS? Well, they could but it [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/ZInQGVRRUcQ/

good wines dessert wines vintage wine sparkling wines wine prices

Champagne ? with a twist?

Forget the debates over terroir, dosage and disgorgement dates–Champagne Lanson is advertising their “white label” Champagne as going great with lemon. (photo thanks to David Lebovitz.) Well, at least they don’t put the lemon in the drink for you: Courvoisier took the inconvenience out of mixing cognac and Moscato blending 18% abv “Courvoisier Gold” (I’ll [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/Kd2CI9SbSys/

wine racks best wine wine bottles wine coolers wines and spirits

TasteCamp East:Bloggers Arrive in the Finger Lakes

This is one of my favorite times of the year.  I’m fortunate enough to be included on the list of wine bloggers and writers who get asked to attend TasteCamp East, organized by Lenn Thompson and Evan Dawson at The New York Cork Report. Last year, Long Island Wine Country hosted our group and although [...]

Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/tastecamp-eastbloggers-arrive-in-the-finger-lakes/

wine types of wine merchant french wine sparkling wine moscato wine

Time to Sniff, Swirl, Spit

Two weeks from today, nearly 100 international wine judges will converge on Fairplex to sniff, swirl and spit their way through more than 3,000 wines – all in attempt to crown the best of the best.  The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition begins May 27. Right now, wine staff are busy preparing the thousands [...]

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=39

wine sale fine wines wine ratings black wine wine online

Sustainability by the wine trade

Everyone uses the term ‘sustainability’ these days, but what it means to everyone can vary enormously. From simple carbon reducing measures, such as using lighter glass bottles and renewable energy, through changes to vineyard practice including organics, and even wholesale regional programmes, the term covers many issues and different levels of commitment. When the issue [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/3FXnf5izCjI/

chianti red chardonnay syrah pinot noir

The Lifestyle of An A-List Wine Critic

A-List wine critics are the celebrities of the wine geek but we don’t get a chance to learn much about them. Just Google for interviews of Robert Parker or James Laube and you will see very little outside of promotional stuff. But Antonio Galloni of The Wine Advocate seems to be more open and has [...]

The Lifestyle of An A-List Wine Critic originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/r0JKYBK5oFQ/

wine gifts dry wine red beer types wine wine types

The wines from Pierre Usseglio I

Domaine Pierre Usseglio is first and foremost a maker of Chateauneuf-du-Pape but has also a couple of vineyards just outside the appellation. From these they make a good value Côtes-du-Rhône and a Vin de Table, where Merlot makes up 80 % og the blend.  I gave the 2006 Côtes-du-Rhône 2006 88-89 p. which makes it a good value. It’s a sort [...]

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/44/wines-from-pierre-usseglio-1/

rose pinot grigio chianti red chardonnay