Not a typical Pinot Noir, but well worth a look…
Name: Meiomi
Vintage: 2015
Producer: Meiomi, Constellation Brands
Region/Country: A blend from Monterrey County, Sonoma County, and Santa Barbara County, California
Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir
Consumed: On a Mediterranean cruise
Recommended By: Vintages Wine Bar sommelier on the cruise ship
Cost: $27.95 CAD at the LCBO
Bottle Presentation: A busy, somewhat difficult-to-read label due to the small font.
Appearance: Deep purple
Nose: Medium, with dark fruit (dark cherries), violets, cigar box, dark chocolate, and cedar notes.
Taste: Medium body, medium, young/grippy tannins, and medium acidity, with dark cherry, blackberry, violet, tobacco, dark chocolate, cedar, and spicy notes. Interestingly, some toffee notes emerged as the wine opened.
Finish: Long enduring tobacco and dark chocolate notes.
Overall Impression: The dark colour and intense, dark fruit notes in both the nose and mouth distinguish this Pinot Noir from others. The complexity proved interesting and enjoyable, making this Meiomi well-suited to more flavourful foods. Although not your typical Pinot Noir, we would definitely drink this wine again, perhaps as part of a blind tasting (to test some of our friends on their knowledge of Pinot Noir).
Rating (from 70 to 100): 89/100
Value: 3/5