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Firesteed Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018

Firesteed Pinot Noir Willamette Valley used to be my favorite low priced Pinot Noir.  You could buy it for around $12 and it was very good.  In fact, on this blog I rated the 2014 vintage at 90 points and I remember the 2015 vintage being just as good.  Then there was a change in ownership of the brand and the 2017 vintage did not meet my expectations.  I rated the 2017 vintage as 87 points, although some other online blogs rated it higher.  Today, Costco is selling the 2017 vintage, but the new 2018 vintage has been released to other vendors.

I found the 2018 Firesteed Pinot Noir at Trader Joe's for $11.99 and decided to see if the wine has regained its past quality.  I am happy to report that is the case.  Do not expect tannins or oak influences.  The wine is fermented and mostly aged in stainless steel.  However, there is a lot of fruit forward, cherry/ raspberry flavor with some black cherry at the end.  It is a very enjoyable, everyday wine.  I recommend it for your consideration- just check the vintage!

SC Wine Joe rating = 89 points




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