Recommendation: OK Pinot Noir that is a good value.
Winery/Producer: Produced & bottled by Hartley Ostini vintners; Buellton, California.
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Santa Barbara County, California.
Vintage: 2013
Price: $16.95
Purchased From: Woodland Hills Wine Company, Woodland Hills, California.
Paired With: Grilled salmon, potato salad with Greek yogurt dressing flavored with dill, grilled asparagus, cucumber salad with red onion, rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, and dill.
Tasting:
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He said: Opened 30-minutes before drinking. Clear, ruby color with a lighter rim of the same color. Very fruity aroma with lots of cherry and plum, but also hints of wood at the end of each deep whiff. STRONG, somewhat dry, plum flavored taste that had a noteworthy texture and a touch of spicy clove that continues through the medium-length, quite acidic finish with just a little rough spot at the very end. Well it’s clearly “New World” and California bold & fruity. It was easy drinking and went well with the grilled salmon and I might even buy it again, but it lacked depth and could get old very quickly. The acidity gave a lift to the finish, but at the same time took away from the smooth fruit flavor. I would call it OK Pinot Noir that is a pretty good value.
Take a look at our review of the Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir 2010 and read the comments on the Hitching Post Restaurant in Buellton, California…it really is a unique spot with lots of nostalgia, ambiance, and good food.
She said: Rich ruby red color, almost translucent, with lots of fat, steadily moving legs. The first fruity whiff lets you know that this is a typical California wine and the fruity taste that follows confirms it. If you don’t like California wines then don’t even read further. The mouth feel is dry, medium bodied with lots of acidity but with a bit of roughness when swallowed. If tannins are present I could not feel them. The fruitiness fell off quickly in the finish and was replaced by the effects of acidity which was pleasant but did not make for a memorable finish. I enjoyed the wine with dinner but would caste around at this price point for one that had a tastier finish, sacrificing some fruitiness if necessary.
Alcohol: 13.5%
UPC Code: 7 53182 38119 0
Imported by: NA
Photo from Hartley Ostini Vintners.