2004 Pinot Evil Reserve Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $19. Impressive bottling for a supermarket wine with great heft and a large punt. The name is catchy and the label is humorous with a picture of the Three Wise Monkeys. The back label notes, "Pinot Noir often seems possessed if not downright evil. We prefer to view Pinot Noir as a guilty pleasure." · The aromas are comforting like warm toast slathered with berry jam. Raspberry is the prominent fruit on the palate. The intensity is lacking and the mid palate is shallow. The texture is velvety and the finish has brisk acidity. A passable Pinot that as the label says, "Good when you just monkey around." Reviewed September 5, 2006

Winery: Pinot Evil Cellars