Wine Review: Lockwood Vineyard "Block 7" Pinot Noir 2009
From the winemaker: "Lockwood Pinot Noir is a distinctive wine that shows off the delicate fruit flavors of grapes grown in Block 7 of our vineyard. The aromatics are reminiscent of rose petals with an essence of mulled spice. The color shows a hue of ruby while flavors of bing cherry with a hint of blueberry take over the glass. The wine has balance and elegance that will keep your attention with generous layers of fruit and a well rounded finish. Pair with herbed pasta dishes and baked salmon to enhance the flavors of this Lockwood Pinot Noir." (SPR: $14)
This is one of the more well-balanced pinots I've had in a long time. It has a classic Pinot Noir smell of strawberries and blueberries, and a slight hint of nutmeg mixed with other spices. When tasting I picked up on a bold hit of cranberry and cherry with subtle hints of spice and vanilla in the back. It's light-bodied with a balance of fruity tannins and acidity. The bright flavors make this Pinot very enjoyable and for less than $15, picking up a bottle (or two) shouldn't break the bank when you want a high-quality Pinot Noir. This is a wine that will impress at parties.
I took the winemaker's suggestion and paired this with baked salmon topped with fresh herbs, roasted fingerling potatoes, and sautéed sugar snap peas. I was very surprised with how well this wine paired with salmon; Pinot Noir is not my usual choice when cooking this meal. The presence of berries and spice in the wine brought out a sweet flavor in the fish. The silky finish to the wine also brought out a silky texture to the roasted fish that I hadn't experienced before. Very nice.
