Irony Pinot Noir

There isn’t a lot of information available about Irony Wines. The back label on the bottle relays a story of two brothers (Chris and Jay - ? last names) who grew up in a winegrowing family (“finest traditions in winemaking since 1935” it says on the label). After pursuing other careers, the two brothers reunited working again at the family vineyard and winery. The winery is named Life’s Strange Twists Wine Company in Manteca, California. The winery produces a Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay as well as Pinot Noir from Monterey County and Russian River Valley (Buena Terra Vineyard).

2005 Irony Monterey County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 30,000 cases, $15. The grapes were sourced primarily from the owners’ San Bernabe Vineyard which is planted to both Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777 and California heritage clones. The wine was barrel-aged for 9 months in a combination of French and American Oak, both new and used. Presented in a heavy, Burgundian-styled bottle. · This lovely wine draws you in with alluring aromas of cherry compote, mint and roses. Medium bodied, the wine is light on its feet with satisfying flavors of wild strawberries, raspberries and rhubarb. There is judicious oak, soft tannins and a nice clean finish. A very good daily drinker that will please even hard-core pinotphiles.

Irony Wines are widely distributed throughout the US. BevMor retail chain in California is featuring this wine. The website, www.ironywine.com, offers little further information.