October Domestic Wine: 2009 MANDOLIN Pinot Noir, Monterey, CALIFORNIA
Mandolin is a collaboration between veteran winemaker Philip Zorn and longtime wine executive Brent Shortridge. Bringing together their previously established relationships with winegrowers in California’s Monterey County, Zorn and Shortridge have created wines that stand out for their balance, finesse and distinct varietal character, as well as their sense of place. Mandolin wines are internationally recognized as outstanding values.
Mandolin currently produces Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir,Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with grapes sourced from Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco and Hames Valley within Monterey County.
History of Pinot Noir and its Relation to Mandolin: The fruit for this Pinot Noir comes from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, in the Central Coast region of California. Situated high above the Salinas Valley within Monterey County, the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA has developed a reputation for producing wines with intense fruit character. Chardonnay dominates the vineyards, although Pinot Noir is quickly establishing itself as another favorite. Running parallel with the Pacific Ocean, this region benefits from well-drained granitic soils and is sheltered from harsh weather by the Santa Lucia Mountains. Cool morning fog and afternoon breezes are drawn into the Salinas Valley from Monterey Bay, creating a very long growing season.
The grapes for this Pinot Noir were sourced from vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA of Monterey County, where high winds, dry days, and bay fogs create a cool, but very long, growing season. These growing conditions are ideal for cool-climate grapes such as Pinot Noir, and lead to full, forward fruit flavors and ideal acidity. Grapes were harvested at an ideal balance of sugar and acid, and the wine was fermented in small open-top tanks. The wine completed malo-lactic fermentation in French oak barrels, where it aged for 11 months prior to bottling.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.3% by volume
Tasting Notes: With its maritime influence, California’s Monterey region has an extended growing season that yields wines with full flavor development and great acid balance. Mandolin Pinot Noir is a rich wine that features bright cherry and raspberry fruit with hints of spice, leather, and cedar.
Food Pairings: This wine is the ultimate match with turkey and heavier fishes like salmon. A great accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal or a nice sipper for a Fall football game!
Jim Lutfy’s thoughts: “A wine that is textbook Pinot Noir. Old-school in character; loaded with earthy cherry flavors. This wine really overachieves for an affordable Pinot Noir.”-JL