Mark West Central Coast Pinot Noir 2004

Mark West Pinot Noir 2004 is starting out a very good seller in the store, as was the very successful 2003. The process used for this affordable Pinot includes small tank fermentation and daily punch downs.

The grapes were sourced 62% from Edna Valley and 38% from Monterey. Aging was 8 months in French and American oak, half of it new. This year's wine is bright cranberry translucent in color, and the aromas and flavors range from strawberry to cherry to smoky oak to cola. The tannins are light and very smooth. The fruit is delicate. There is some tartness on the palate, and the finish is dry and lingers nicely. We tasted it with grilled Alaskan Salmon. The closure is a genuine cork. (Why not a Stelvin?)

At $11 (Nashville), this is an excellent value, as was the 2003. Derek Benham and Winemaker Alex Cose seem to have defined everyday Pinot Noir.

Comments

[cincinnatiwinegarage]

I concur. I first tasted 4 months ago and it's on the short list. At $11 its the best entry level Pinot.

jens at cincinnati wine garage