Cherries and some cola and caramel show up on the nose, along with a little more burn than you would expect from the 13.7% alcohol reported on the label. On the palate the wood speaks loudest, in vanilla and caramel, followed by dark cherry and Dr. Pepper. A bit of allspice and white pepper appear on the palate, but none of it breaks through the wood. Drink with baked chicken, the dark meat if possible. No recommendation.
WHO: Ponzi Vineyards
WHAT: Pinot Noir
WHERE: Oregon, Willamette Valley
WHEN: 2009
HOW MUCH: $25 (media sample)
