Featured Wine: 2006 mossback pinot noir

Peter's Tips
Basic tips when wine tasting

Begin by pouring 2 oz. of wine in a glass. Turn the glass on its side above a white piece of paper (don't spill any of the precious juice). The colors you see will alert you to the body, structure, and age of the wine. Light color or a thin light edge around the center indicates a light body, aggressive structure (mouth feel), and perhaps a young wine. Dark color running from the center of the glass to the outside edge of the wine indicates big bold structure and possibly huge flavor components. Lift the glass horizontally to your face and place your nose on the bottom rim of the glass to sniff (don't be bashful). Sniff loud and long. As you are sniffing, slowly drop the glass until your nose is at the top rim. The scents you detect at the bottom of the glass are called ‘aromas’ and are comprised of the growing conditions - soil, sun, shade, rain, drought, wind, and more. The scent at the top of the glass is the ‘bouquet’ - flowers, fruits, and spices - these are the essence of the grape and the wine maker’s touch.

Sixty percent (60%) of the information you should know is based upon appearance and the smell of the wine. Only forty percent (40%) is based on the flavor. Now let’s taste. Take about half of the wine in the glass into your mouth. Chew it softly while breathing in gently through your nose. Let the wine warm to the temperature of your mouth and then swallow gently. What flavors and textures did you notice? Most important, did you like it or not? Believe me, that is the issue which matters most.

2006 mossback pinot noir review

Mossback Pinot Noir comes from the Russian River Valley in California where the climate is arid and dry, characterized by cool nights influenced by the pacific coastal currents that come up the river in the evening and hot days. These conditions allow the grapes to develop slowly.

Mossback is a blend of Russian River appellation fruit from four growers that Winemaker Dan Cederquist has worked with for many years. It consists of 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Syrah. Pinot Noir from the Siebert vineyard contributes the structural component: the backbone and color. Andre La Rochelle’s delicate Pinot Noir contributes the beautiful floral notes. John Balleto's Clone 15, the old Martini clone, is the rich black berry character in the wine. The pretty raspberry and strawberry flavors and aromas are from the Cameron vineyard. #1 See, 2006 Mossback Pinot Noir by Crew Wine Company, www.crewwinestore.com, for more information.

The end result is a beautiful, clear, garnet color in the glass that displays big perfume on the nose upfront. Its black cherry, dark raspberry, pronounced oak with a slightly smoky quality, earth, and a hint of thyme, show nicely. Upon swirling it in your mouth, one may notice the big, soft black cherry and dark raspberry flavor sticking out. This is a smooth, soft Pinot Noir with moderate plus acidity and plush tannins with a slight edge. The finish has a slight spicy bite at the end, mingling with oak and soft, lingering fruit.

After spending at least an hour at the gym, either pounding the treadmill, the weights or an opponent, this wine is definitely worth the reflection, for both the palette and mind. It also provides an added health benefit as it contains a powerful antioxidant, Resveratrol, which has been indicated to lower one's risk of heart attack and stroke. If you indulge, it is a refreshing break from the daily routine.

Enjoy
Peter..