2009 Bridlewood Monterey County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $17. An E.&J. Gallo property producing a range of premium wines including Pinot Noir from Central Coast vineyards. Annual production is 125,000 cases. The winemaker is David Hopkins. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. A lot going on in the nose but not particularly harmonious. Aromas of black cherries, black raspberries, sassafras, cardamom spice, vanilla, filter paper and cut flowers. Middleweight flavors of dark berries, currants and plums with an accent of oakdriven smoke and spice. Juicy and crisp, lacking mid palate punch and finish. Decent. (The Sta. Rita Hills bottling is significantly better). Reviewed January 19, 2013

Winery: Bridlewood Estate Winery
From article: Value-Price Pinots