Trader Joe's Grand Reserve Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2013

In the movie "Sideways", the lead character, Miles, describes the Santa Barbara region as the "promised land" of Pinot Noir. Indeed, some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world come from Santa Barbara. I cannot say that Santa Barbara is superior to Willamette Valley, Carneros, Russian River Valley or Sonoma Coast but I will say that this Santa Barbara Pinot from Trader Joe's is unsurpassed by any at this price ($12.99).

The most impressive thing about this Pinot Noir is the multitude of flavors found in each sip. The wine begins with dark cherry and dark fruit, but then you also taste cherry and strawberry, finishing with some oak and ample tannins. It is almost like Pinot from Russian River Valley and Carneros were mixed together in one bottle. You just say "wow this is good"!

SC Wine Joe rating = 91 points

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